Abby, ‘09 Scholar
Blind with light perception
Would someday like to help the blind in other countries access technology.
2009 Scholars
Alex, ‘09 Scholar
Cerebral palsy
Earned an associate of arts degree from Skagit Valley College. Hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or business administration. Works at Lowe’s as a head cashier and plans to become a store manager. Is a member of the United States Business Leadership Network Advisory Council working with businesses to improve accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Allegra, ‘09 Scholar
Spinal muscular atrophy type 2
Took an online course from Penn Foster and is certified as a freelance writer. Does grant writing projects. Self-published an e-book called Knotted Strings. Blog at allegrakeys.blogspot.com.
Anna, ‘09 Scholar
Brain tumor, left-sided ataxia, legally blind, seizure disorder.
Earned degrees in early childhood education, special education, and applied behavioral science. Graduated from the University of Washington (UW) with a master’s degree in special education. Sits on the Special Olympics Committee at UW and planned the USA games in 2018. Presented research on universal design for learning at the Teaching and Learning Symposium at UW. Currently helps families of children with autism with behavior management. Plans to pursue a doctoral degree in disability studies. Received a 2015 DO-IT Trailblazer Award.
Bilal, ‘09 Scholar
Learning disability
Graduated from Edmonds Community College with a degree in construction management. Works as a part-time computer lab assistant. Would like to be an orthodontist.
Charlie, ‘09 Scholar
Dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cognitive processing disorder
Graduated with a bachelor of arts in human services from Western Washington University. Interned at Days for Girls International in the homeless housing department as an assistant case manager helping veterans get their benefits. Has worked at Brigadoon Service Dogs. Hopes to empower women around the world. Plans to work with Americorps in Maple Falls.
Chris, ‘09 Scholar
Dyslexia, attention deficit disorder
Has combined work at a plant nursery in Portland, OR with travel during their slower seasons, which allows him to follow his passions of hiking and photography throughout the US, as well as Western Europe, Central America, and India. Often listens to audio books while hiking or driving and has read over a hundred books this past year.
Joey, ‘09 Scholar
Asperger’s syndrome
Earned a bachelor of science in electronics engineering technology with a computer engineering specialization from Central Washington University. Currently services cash registers and similar hardware throughout North Central Washington for National Cash Register (NCR).
Josh, ‘09 Scholar
Muscular dystrophy
Graduated from George Fox University. Works to help folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop skills and experience to secure competitive employment.
Josh, ‘09 Scholar
Spina bifida, learning disability
Graduated from Clark College. Would like to be a youth pastor or counselor. Has two dogs.
Leo, ‘09 Scholar
Spinal cord injury
Attends Skagit Valley College. Interested in a job involving video editing or animation. Has received over 350,000 views on his YouTube videos. Likes to learn about computers. Owns a beagle and would like to live alone in an apartment in a large city.
Louis, ‘09 Scholar
Dyslexia and dysgraphia
Graduated from American University with a bachelor’s degree in physics. Worked as a lab technician and researcher in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Collaboration. Working as a wildland firefighter and test engineer for Uber Advanced Technology Group.
Reese, ‘09 Scholar
Orthographic dysgraphia
Graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor of science degree.
Ryan, ‘09 Scholar
Autism
Completed a master of music degree in percussion performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Principal timpanist with Northwest Mahler Festival and seated percussionist with Mid-Columbia Symphony in Tri-Cities. Volunteers at SeaTac airport with the Wings for Autism program and also with the United Services Organizations at San Francisco International Airport.
Sean, ‘09 Scholar
Becker muscular dystrophy
Graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in psychology. Has worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. Currently works on Microsoft’s accessibility team with the Disability Answer Desk supporting customers with disabilities. Received a 2017 DO-IT Trailblazer Award.
Shelby, ‘09 Scholar
Spinal muscular atrophy
Graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in public relations. Works as the noon show producer at the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City. Active on Twitter (@shelbs25), often tweeting about disability issues, politics, and the perils of being a young, working professional.
Vanessa, ‘09 Scholar
Athetoid cerebral palsy, mild hearing loss
Graduated from Yakima Valley Community College. Works part-time as an accounting assistant for a fruit selling firm. Enjoys reading, sudoku, scribbling, cheering people up, and sharing her understanding of the Bible with others.