2020/2021 President: Cassie Kizis
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hi everyone, my name is Cassie and I am proud to be co-founder and president of Access Club at Penn State. I am a rising senior at University Park majoring in geography and political science. I decided to form Access Club based on an experience I had way back in freshman year. When I was a freshman, I was a news reporter for the Daily Collegian tasked with thinking of new story ideas every week. As someone with hearing loss who wears hearing aids, I was curious what navigating campus was like for other students with disabilities.
Therefore, I decided to write an article on campus accessibility. While working on the article I had the opportunity to speak with a student who navigates campus with a physical disability as well as staff at Penn State dedicated to addressing accessibility. I learned that there are many people at Penn State committed to furthering accessibility, but there is still work to be done! I decided to form Access Club as a way to build fellowship at Penn State among students with disabilities and allies. Thanks for visiting our site, and I hope you join us!
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Social Media
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Twitter: @ckizis18
2020/2021 Vice President: Leah Joslyn
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hi everyone! My name is Leah and I serve as the club's Vice President. I am a rising senior at University Park and majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Disability Studies and Spanish. Our goal for this club was to provide a space for people with disabilities and others without disabilities to work with, learn from, and form relationships with each other. I first got involved in disability-related issues and advocacy in my teens. Being a full-time wheelchair user, I have always wanted to learn from others with disabilities and hear their stories. This club has given me the unique opportunity to do just that.
Prior to this club, I had a bit of experience with advocating for disability rights within my community. In addition, I created a blog in the last few years on the topic of Disability Rights. In it, I talk about personal experiences with disability, pop culture moments involving disability, as well as pertinent news stories. I have linked the blog and Facebook page below. Please give it a read if you are interested. Thanks for visiting!
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Social Media:
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Twitter: @LeahJoslyn
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Blog: (In) Accessibility
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Blog Facebook Page: InAccessibility
2020/2021 Treasurer Lauren Spadt
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Spadt and I’m the treasurer of Access Club. I am majoring in biomedical engineering on the premedical track because I want to be a physician. My life goal is to be a healer who does not just prescribe medicine, but who cares for patients as whole people and promotes inclusive and safe medical environments.
I am in Access Club because I want this club to keep growing and spreading its important message through education and advocacy. Through joining this club, I learned so much about the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities and I want to be a better ally to everyone facing obstacles. I am honored to be involved in this club’s rich mission.
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Social Media:
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Instagram: @laurenspadt27
2020/2021 Treasurer: Mia Vega
Pronouns:
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