The DO-IT Center has hosted Summer Study sessions for students with disabilities on the campus of the University of Washington (UW) for more than twenty years. Thanks for sharing them with us! Our success is measured by the achievements of our participants and their interest in staying connected with each other and new participants. We look forward to the next twenty years.
This publication facilitates communication among DO‑IT Scholars, Pals, and Mentors. DO‑IT Scholars are high school students with disabilities who are preparing for college and careers. They have interests in challenging fields that include science, mathematics, engineering, technology, and business. They attend a Summer Study program at the UW in Seattle, participate in internships and leadership activities, and take part in an e-community year-round. Additional high school students with disabilities, the DO‑IT Pals, join this e-community. When Scholars move on to college, they become DO‑IT Ambassadors, sharing their experiences with the younger Pals and Scholars. This e-community is also supported by DO‑IT Mentors, most of whom have disabilities themselves and are pursuing challenging postsecondary studies and careers.
Primary funding for DO‑IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education. These and other investors, listed in the DO‑IT Funding section on pages 89–90 of this publication, sponsor the many activities that DO‑IT undertakes. We appreciate their generous support. Those who wish to help fund continued efforts can submit the Support DO‑IT: How Can You DO-IT? form.
DO‑IT has received many awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. We also received the National Information Infrastructure Award in 1995, the Golden Apple Award in 1999, the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Exceptional Program Award in 2001, the Promising Practice Award in 2005, the Trace Research and Development Center’s Catalyst Award in 2006, the University of Washington College of Engineering Team Innovator Award in 2007, the Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD) Robert S. Greenberg Innovation Award in 2007, and the AHEAD Professional Recognition Award in 2011. These awards document the achievements of the DO‑IT participants. Together, these young people are changing the world, making it a more accessible place for all of us.
Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.
Founder and Director, DO‑IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology)
Associate Professor, College of Education
College of Engineering/UW Information Technology/College of Education
University of Washington
The DO‑IT Trailblazer award highlights DO‑IT community members who forge new pathways that will benefit others. Through their work and accomplishments they have changed the way the world views people with disabilities and have increased the potential of people with disabilities to succeed in college, careers, and community life. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!
Dr. Norm Coombs is the chief executive officer of Equal Access to Software and Information, an organization that provides webinars and online resources for making information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Norm, who is blind, has experienced the power of assistive technology firsthand and is dedicated to providing the same opportunities to others. He is a professor emeritus from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he taught history for thirty-six years. He pioneered RIT’s distance learning program and was given Zenith’s Master of Innovation award for his uses of distance learning to mainstream students with disabilities. Norm has co-presented with DO-IT at conferences and workshops, contributed to case studies in the DO-IT Knowledge Base, and partnered with DO-IT founder and director Sheryl Burgstahler to develop and teach a distance learning course about accessible technology.
Myrna Muto, a coordinator of Seattle Public Schools counselors, has been an active advocate for preparing high school students with disabilities for college and careers. She has partnered with DO-IT staff to develop and disseminate newsletters, host events for students, and facilitate trainings and workshops for Seattle Schools educators and staff. Myrna has been a creative and energetic partner on a Boeing-funded project, Making Seattle Public Schools Career and Technical Education Programs Accessible to Students with Disabilities, and has helped facilitate field trips with students to industry partners. She is committed to including students with disabilities in all programs and activities offered at Seattle Public Schools. Myrna earned a degree in education from the University of Washington (UW) and a master’s degree in school counseling from Seattle University.
Vincent Martin, an AccessComputing team member, has been an active member of and mentor on DO-IT’s e-mentoring communities, giving invaluable advice on technical details, complex software/hardware interaction, and accessible technology for postsecondary education. One staff member shared, “I can’t tell you how many times DO-IT students have told me they got great advice from him behind the scenes.” Vincent has provided assistance at conferences and mentoring during events. At the DO-IT sponsored capacity-building institute at Auburn University, Universal Design in Academia, he delivered an excellent presentation “Defining and Designing the Human Interface: Disabilities in STEM Education.” Vincent also spoke on behalf of mentors and students at the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC during a DO-IT event. He is pursuing a doctorate in human-computer interaction at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also holds degrees in psychology and textile engineering technology.
Dr. Kelsey Byers is an active mentor to undergraduate students and graduate students participating in DO-IT projects and has delivered countless presentations on equal access in academics, fieldwork, governance, student events, and other aspects of campus life. One DO-IT student shared, “I often see Kelsey at DO-IT events. She has a great deal of experience in advocacy and equal access and is always willing to share stories and exchange ideas.” Kelsey earned a Ph.D. in biology at the UW in 2014. She has been active in the broader UW community, making important contributions on several committees, student groups, and other entities that promote access and inclusion for everyone.
Previous DO‑IT Trailblazer award winners:
2013
Dr. Bea Awoniyi, long-time DO-IT collaborator, Santa Fe College assistant vice president of Student Affairs, and president elect for the Board of Directors of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), for her work to better serve students and veterans with disabilities, including substantial contributions to DO-IT resources and the AccessCollege project.Anna Marie Golden, founder and manager of AnnAtycal Web Studio, DO-IT Mentor, and part of the team at UW’s Accessible Technology Services, for outstanding mentoring and her work to increase accessibility on the Internet, including the development of an accessible website for the Deaf-Blind Service Center.
Susan Gjolmesli, director of the Disability Resource Center at Bellevue College, DO-IT Mentor, and project partner, for outstanding advocacy in the promotion of accessible campuses and the development of the Autism Spectrum Navigators Program. She was designated as a Living Treasure at Bellevue College in 2009 and received the Washington State Governor’s Trophy in Memory of Carolyn Blair Brown in 2012.
Michael Richardson, co-director of the Northwest ADA (American with Disabilities Act) Center and DO-IT Mentor, for his relentless advocacy and enthusiasm for the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of our community.
2012
Katrina Carter, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘98 Scholar, for her advocacy in founding a disability student group at the UW, Bothell; and her work in the National Youth Leadership Network, Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation, National Leadership Conference for Youth with Disabilities, and the Army Corps Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.
Wendy Chisholm, DO-IT Mentor, senior Microsoft strategist, and self-described Accessibility Evangelist, for co-editing the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 and 2.0, which form the basis of most web accessibility policies throughout the world; co-authoring the book Universal Design for Web Applications; and founding Accessibility Camp Seattle.
Dyane Haynes, DO-IT Mentor, DO-IT partner, and director of Disability Resources for students at the UW, for her tireless efforts in sharing disability resources and promoting universal design through capacity-building institutes, as well as her work within DO-IT Admin, DO-IT Prof, DO-IT College, and AccessSTEM projects.
Conrad Reynoldson, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘03 Scholar, for his work to raise disability awareness in the community. He was the first person to use a power wheelchair in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle half marathon, has organized comedy nights to increase the visibility of people with disabilities, completed an internship at Disability Rights Washington, and was a Congressional Intern in Washington, DC.
2011
Laura Bersos, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘04 Scholar, for developing community among DO-IT Scholars and participants. Laura has attended Summer Study every year since she became involved with DO-IT.
Kayla Brown, DO-IT Ambassador, ‘05 Scholar, and DO-IT student staff member, for advocacy work at Bellevue College and nonprofits. She advocates for people with disabilities in Seattle, traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, participated in City Year, and has served on the ATeam leadership group for DO-IT’s AccessSTEM project.
E.A. Draffin, research staff in the University of Southampton’s School of Electronics and Computer Science in the United Kingdom, for promoting accessibility in e-learning, the web, and mobile devices; providing an international database of accessible technology; and supporting students with disabilities to increase accessibility in education, employment, and their daily lives.
2010
Dr. Martha Bosma, associate professor of biology at the UW, for her leadership in the inclusion of people with disabilities in science education and careers, outreach to ensure accessible science labs, and mentoring of DO-IT Scholars in their transition to postsecondary education.
Corinna (Lang) Fale, DO-IT Ambassador and ’00 Scholar, for her work promoting self-advocacy for people with disabilities through her position as co-coordinator of the L.E.A.D. Coalition at the Arc of Snohomish County and as a representative for People First of Washington.
Dr. Sang-Mook Lee, professor of geophysics at Seoul National University, for promoting access to technology, education, and employment for people with disabilities in South Korea.
Noah Seidel, DO-IT Ambassador, ’05 Scholar, and DO-IT student staff member, for his disability advocacy and leadership on the UW campus and in the Seattle community. He has organized disability awareness events and has spoken on numerous panels regarding inclusion, access, and transition to college and careers.
Priscilla Wong, DO-IT Ambassador and ’95 Scholar, for her volunteer work serving people with disabilities at the Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Hospital and ongoing dedication to advocating for accessible programs and environments.
2009
Kim Borowicz, disability rights lawyer at Access Living and DO-IT Mentor, for contributions on a national level to the field of disability law and a commitment to tackling issues of access to transportation, media, and education for people with disabilities.
Loren Mikola, disability inclusion program manager at Microsoft and AccessSTEM team member, for contributions in making Microsoft an inclusive environment for employees with a wide variety of abilities and for promoting the design of accessible technology.
Kris Rosenberg, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘94 Scholar, for contributing to the long-term success of DO-IT’s college preview and technology program at Camp Courage by volunteering his time to provide lab set-up, technology support, instruction, and mentoring.
Jessie Sandoval, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘98 Scholar, for academic achievement and pursuit of a career in disability law.
Chris Schlechty, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘02 Scholar, for academic achievement, pursuit of a career in computing, and mentoring interns with disabilities nationwide in the workplace.
2008
Daman Wandke, DO-IT Ambassador and ‘05 Scholar, for leadership in organizing disability awareness activities on a postsecondary campus.
Al Souma, coordinator of Disability Support Services at Seattle Central Community College and AccessCollege team member, for responding to emerging issues of students with disabilities, including those related to people with mental health impairments and veterans with disabilities.
Dr. Mamoru Iwabuchi, associate professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo and assistant director of DO-IT Japan, for promoting DO-IT practices internationally.
2007
Dennis Lang, associate director of the disability studies program at the UW, for promoting the adoption of a disability studies program which now resides in the School of Law. He has also mentored dozens of students pursuing the disability studies minor.
Anthony Arnold, DO‑IT Ambassador and ‘94 Scholar, for significant contributions to the field of augmentative and alternative communication through his advocacy and career, and serving as a powerful role model for the employment of individuals with disabilities that affect both mobility and speech.
Dr. Ray Bowen, while dean of the University of Washington College of Engineering, made contacts at the National Science Foundation in 1992 that led to DO‑IT’s first grant funding. He mentored Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, director and founder of DO‑IT, and facilitated collaborations with the college’s award-winning programs for women and minorities. This created an expanded view of diversity that became a model for other departments and institutions.
2006
Dr. Imke Durre, DO‑IT Mentor, for accomplishments in earning a Ph.D. and pursuing a career in atmospheric sciences, increasing public awareness of the positive contributions of people with disabilities in science fields, and providing a strong role model and mentoring to students with visual impairments.
Julie Peddy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program manager, for accomplishments in integrating youth with disabilities in service learning programs and promoting the employment of people with disabilities in science fields.
2005
Karen Braitmayer, architect and DO‑IT Mentor, for accomplishments as a business owner and for progressing accessibility efforts within the field of architecture.
Mylene Padolina, Microsoft senior diversity consultant, for accomplishments in the integration of disability in the diversity efforts of businesses and for success in programs encouraging youth to pursue high-tech career fields.
Jessie Shulman, DO‑IT Ambassador and ‘98 Scholar, for accomplishments in increasing access and support on the UW campus and providing a strong role model to students with hidden disabilities.
Dr. Suzanne Weghorst, assistant director for research at the UW Human Interface Technology Lab, for accomplishments in research and for providing numerous opportunities for students with disabilities to explore the field of human interface technology.
2004
Cheri Blauwet, DO‑IT Ambassador, ‘96 Scholar, and Stanford graduate student, for achievements in athletics and academics.
Mike Dedman, education specialist at the National Parks Service, for improving access in the national parks.
Charity Ranger, DO‑IT student staff and UW student, for improving access and support on a postsecondary campus.
Anna Schneider, DO‑IT Ambassador, ‘93 Scholar, artist, businesswoman, and UW graduate, for accomplishments in the combination of fine arts, business, and science.
Eighteen Phase I Scholars, all from Washington state, attended their first DO‑IT Summer Study session at the University of Washington (UW) in July 2014. They learned about college life and prepared for college and careers. Throughout the year, they communicate with each other, DO‑IT participants, and DO‑IT Mentors. They use laptops, assistive technology, and the Internet to support their academic studies, and they complete projects in exciting fields that include science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and business. Phase I Scholars communicate with each other at 2014do‑it@uw.edu; with all Scholars and Ambassadors at doitkids@uw.edu; and with the entire group of DO‑IT Scholars, Ambassadors, Pals, and Mentors at doitchat@uw.edu. After completing Summer Study 2014, these participants graduated to Phase II.
Hi, I’m Carl. I am a junior at Woodinville High School, where I plan to join the debate team. I like music and love to play the drums. I like playing games on my Xbox and computer. I have two dogs. I am also a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. For fun, I take flying lessons. My long term goal is to be a lawyer or work in business. I recently took my first Advanced Placement test to receive college credit. I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Hello, my name is Sean. My favorite classes are auto shop, math, and history. I have complete hearing loss in both ears and two cochlear implants that let me hear. My favorite activities are hanging out with friends, watching TV, playing sports, and listening to music. I like hip hop and rap but I am open to all kinds of music. When I hang out with friends, we play football or basketball. I play football for my high school so I work out three times a week.
My name is Jason and I am a junior at Mountlake Terrace High School. I am a member of the National Honor Society. I like to play baseball, basketball, and softball. I also run track and cross country, swim, and bowl. In my free time I enjoy playing video games and keeping score for the Mariners games. I would like to be either a Major League Baseball statistician or a technology engineer. I hope to attend the UW. I have a visual impairment.
Hi, I’m Anita. I will be a senior at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. I use a wheelchair because I suffered from polio when I was a baby living in India. I am interested in social work, psychology, and education. I am a competitive swimmer, and I love doing community service. I also love to read, hangout with friends, and meet new people.
Hello, my name is Aja. I go to Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish. I have minor cerebral palsy. My favorite subject is the Marine Corps Junior ROTC. In the future I intend to cure cerebral palsy, so I can join the Army. I’ve been a member of the Future Farmers of America and the National Honor Society. I enjoy archery and playing the piano. I am also an avid reader.
Hi, I’m Calleese. I attend iTech Preparatory and next year I’ll be in Running Start. I have a learning disability. I’m the vice president of the Local Association Student Council which helps students from different schools and events to come together and learn from each other. I’m also a Key Club officer, and attended a weekend leadership camp. After I tore my ACL during a soccer game, I started learning photography. Now I’m a yearbook officer, head photographer, and editor. I attended DigiGirlz at Microsoft Portland and We Day Seattle, where we were inspired by other people’s stories and learned how to be better leaders. I am a very relaxed, outgoing type of person. I love playing sports, being outdoors, and adventuring. I have a cute grey bunny who I adore named Hopper. I’m also a twin!
Hi, my name is Jin-Ning, and I am hard of hearing. I attend Roosevelt High School in Seattle. I play percussion in symphonic band, marching band, and drumline. I enjoy reading, solving math problems, listening to music, playing basketball, and gaming. My main focus is on becoming an architect. After graduating high school, I may attend the UW or the ITT Technical Institute.
Hi, my name is Thor, and I attend Burlington-Edison High School. I am a WyldLife student leader and an active member of Young Life. I enjoy reading many genres of books, but my favorite is mythology. I enjoy hunting and fishing and I am in a 4-H club. My career goal is to become a forensics analyst or accountant. I have a form of muscular dystrophy called Desmond myopathy.
My name is Kennedy, and I attend Wilson High School. My favorite subjects are art, English, and science. During my spare time I enjoy listening to rock music, playing video games, and watching movies. I listen to an array of rock music, from Led Zeppelin to Alice in Chains. I went to my first rock concert last year and I’m going to another this summer. I like action movies and comedies. I’d like to be a psychologist.
Hi! My name is Vanessa and I attend South Whidbey High School, where I am a member of the National Honor Society and participate in my school’s feminist/gender equality club. Taylor Swift is my favorite singer, but I also like James Taylor and movie soundtracks. I like to watch BBC TV shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Downton Abbey. My favorite books are How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr, and Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, but Harry Potter has a special place in my heart. I love to work with Photoshop and hope to one day be a graphic designer. I have Ollier disease.
Hello, my name is Alex. I will be a senior at International School in the fall. I am the recipient of two presidential awards for academic excellence. I enjoy electronic gadgets and reading about how the latest technology improves people’s lives. I also like to draw objects and cartoon characters and aspire to be a well known artist someday. I am a huge theme park/roller coaster enthusiast. My long term goal is to become an engineer or an economic manager. I have a mild autism spectrum disorder.
Hi, my name is Lindsey. I attend Graham-Kapowsin High School. I like to read, write, and draw, watch TV and listen to music. I attend the Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp every year, where we swim, fish, ride in motorcycle sidecars, and do many other activities. I have a retired service dog named Wonder and three siblings; I’m the oldest of the bunch. When I graduate from college, I want to be an author and work with digital graphic art, preferably at DreamWorks Animation Studio. I have spinal muscular dystrophy Type 2/3, but it just adds a little more spice to my life, along with a wheelchair.
Hi, my name is Teodoro. I attend Granite Falls High School, where my favorite classes are science and math. I hope to become a doctor. I like to hang out with my friends and be involved at school, like in Spanish Club. I have a learning disability.
My name is Matthew, and I attend Mt. Spokane High School. I am in Spanish Club and the National Honor Society, and founded my school’s Archery Club. I have earned a First Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. I served on the Student Board for the Mobius Science Center and continue to volunteer. My favorite activities are fishing, snorkeling, archery, puzzles, and spending time at the beach looking for shells and treasures. I also love playing video games; some of my favorites are the Assassin’s Creed series, Minecraft, and Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney. I have one brother and one sister. My goal is to be an engineer.
Hello, my name is Mikaela. I am a senior at Southridge High School and I attend Columbia Basin College as a Running Start student. I am a cheerleader and a gymnast. I’ve been to several summer camps, including cheer camps. I absolutely love pugs and have a pug puppy of my own. For fun, I love to tumble and stunt. I’d like to work in the medical field, hopefully in anesthesiology.
My name is Michael and I attend Tonasket High School where I am in student government. I am also in the Boy Scouts of America. In my spare time, I like to listen to country music and draw and play games on my iPad. I had cancer when I was one year old. I love animals, and my goal is to be a vet or vet tech.
My name is Eric and I will be a junior in the fall. I was named the “Most Inspirational Student” in 8th grade and I am a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, I like to be active. I play on my school and club soccer teams. I also enjoy both playing and listening to music. I play drums and guitar. My family and I volunteer at the Issaquah Meals Program which provides food for people in need. I also own two dogs and love to play with them.
Sangha, and I attend Bellevue High School. I like to play music, video games, and sports. I play clarinet in symphonic band. I also play basketball every Saturday. I’m on cross country and track teams every winter and spring. For fun, I play video games, but my favorite hobby is watching YouTube videos about new games. I’d like to be a computer engineer. I have an autism spectrum disorder.
Seventeen Phase II Scholars began participating in DO‑IT in 2013. They attended their second Summer Study at the University of Washington (UW) in July 2014. During that second session, they continued to develop self-determination and self-advocacy skills and prepare for college and careers. They also worked closely with professionals or university faculty in STEM fields such as neurobiology, digital arts, or environmental issues. Throughout the year, they communicate with each other, DO‑IT participants, and DO‑IT Mentors. They use laptops, assistive technology, and the Internet to support their academic studies, and they complete projects in exciting fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business. Phase II Scholars communicate with each other at 2013do‑it@uw.edu; with all Scholars and Ambassadors at doitkids@uw.edu; and with the entire group of DO‑IT Scholars, Ambassadors, Pals, and Mentors at doitchat@uw.edu. After completing Summer Study 2014, these participants graduated to Phase III.
What’s up, everyone? My name is Antonio. I was born with cerebral palsy which has affected my mobility. I’m a huge sports fan (Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Huskies). I love listening to hip-hop. My favorite bands are Dilated Peoples, Bambu, and the Seattle-based Blue Scholars. I graduated from O’Dea High School in Seattle. I will be attending the UW this fall, and I’m excited to be a Husky! I would enjoy a career in journalism/sports broadcasting.
Hi, my name is Dustine, and I have Asperger syndrome. I played the flute with the Roosevelt High School Band. I am undecided on a field of study, although I am interested in law, computer science, and IT fields. I enjoy keeping up with Seattle sports, especially the Seahawks and the Sounders FC. I also bowl competitively in leagues and tournaments. I graduated from Roosevelt and will attend the UW in the fall and play in the Husky Marching Band.
Hi, my name is Michael. I enjoy computer programming in Visual Basic and would like to become a program analyst. I enjoy taking photos of nature, reading, building plastic military models, and playing racquetball. I have autism. My greatest accomplishments are being accepted into DO-IT, getting a C+ in Spanish 2, and making honor roll. I attend Bellevue College.
Hi, my name is Courtney. I have a visual impairment, but I also have a very supportive family. Listening to music is possibly my favorite pastime; I do it almost constantly. I play the flute in the symphonic band at school. I’m also an avid reader. I will read most anything, but I tend to linger in the sci-fi/fantasy realm. That’s just a bit about me. I did the YES program this summer.
Hello! My name is McKenna, and I was born with arthrogryposis. I am currently a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, training for the 2016 Paralympic Games. I just graduated high school with my high school diploma and my associate’s degree in arts and sciences because I did Running Start at Everett Community College. I am currently on the National Paralympic Development Shooting Team and hope to represent the United States at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro for my air rifle events. After the 2016 Games, I plan on going back to school to become a lawyer. Feel free to email me anytime!
Hi, my name is Ryan, and I have Asperger syndrome. I attend Shadle Park High School in Spokane. I hope to get a degree in mathematics with a focus on engineering of some sort. I enjoy designing and building complicated machinery in Minecraft.
Hi my name is Julian, and I have traumatic brain injury. I graduated from Kamiak High School in June and will be attending Washington State University this fall. I plan to major in sports management and eventually coach professional basketball. For now, the journey is just starting so I look forward to enjoying Coug and Dawg events this fall. Go Cougs!
Hi, my name is Ellen, and I have a speech-based learning disability. I am going to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Unmanned Aircraft/Operations at the University of North Dakota. Last summer, I attended the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) camp in the country for high school students at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. I have been an intern for The Patriots Flight Team and the Blue Angels during Seafair. I’ve been playing soccer since I was six years old, and I love it. I foster kittens at my home for The Seattle Humane Society. I have jump seated in a brand new Boeing 737-900 ER twice during take-off and landing. When I get the chance, I like to fly airplanes. I actually flew a Cessna twice as the main pilot. I met Harrison Ford in Los Angeles this past February.
Hi, my name is Clarissa, and I have cerebral palsy and left-sided hemiplegia. I live in Everett and graduated from Kamiak High School. I will attend UW Bothell this fall. I like learning foreign languages; I’m currently learning Japanese. I also enjoy singing and listening to music. In the future I’d like to travel to Japan and other places around the world.
Hi, my name is Brenna, and I have a learning disability. I will be a senior this fall and am in Running Start. I was the youngest filmmaker in the Port Townsend Film Festival. I enjoy photography and the outdoors.
Hi, my name is Nicole and I have cerebral palsy. I attend Kentwood High School in Kent. I would like to pursue a master’s degree in special education with some studies in business. I am also considering a career as a writer, since I enjoy my English classes.
Hi, my name is Rahil, and I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This fall, I’ll be a senior at Bothell High School. My favorite subjects are science and Spanish. I also enjoyed a computer programming class last year. I like reading and playing video games in my free time. Last year, I was in Youth and Government, a YMCA program where the participants simulate a state legislative session. I am also a member of the National Honor Society.
Hi, my name is Alex, and I have cerebral palsy. I use my artistic abilities to express myself. I just graduated from Walla Walla High School, where I enjoyed studying math and science. I’m interested in learning about space travel and understanding the universe. I want to pursue a career as a pastor or a counselor. I’m going to start at Walla Walla Community College this coming September, and then I want to go to Seminary.
Hi, I’m Karly! I have nonverbal learning disorder and attention deficit disorder. I am doing an extra semester of senior year at The Nova Project in Seattle, then I will be attending North Seattle College starting next spring quarter where I will study child development and teaching. I volunteer at Lowell Elementary School with kids who have various disabilities, teaching them basic life skills.
Hi, my name is Hannah, and I have a visual impairment. Even with my vision, I love to read and write. I enjoy English in school but am also into science, especially the biomedical field. I also play the flute in my school band. I love to volunteer around the community and I am a member of the National Honor Society.
Hi, my name is Kayla, and I live in Lynnwood. This past spring, I graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School. I am interested in math, English, and science. In the fall I will be a freshman at the UW in the honors program, where I’m planning on double majoring in Spanish and psychology or English, with a possible minor in disability studies. After I get my undergraduate degree, I hope to go to law school to pursue a career as a bilingual disability rights lawyer. I swim for the U.S. Paralympic National Swim Team, and I hold four world records. Last August, I participated in the Paralympic World Championships in Montreal, in Quebec, Canada, and this August I will participate in the Para-Pan American Games in Pasadena, California.
Hi, my name is Olivia, and I have cerebral palsy. I attend Mt. Rainier High School and am a Running Start student at Highline College. My favorite subject is science. By next year, I will graduate with my high school diploma and associate’s degree. I hope to transfer to the UW for pre-pharmacy school.
Phase III Scholars are completing high school or transitioning to college. Throughout the year, they communicate with other Scholars, Ambassadors, and Mentors and participate in DO-IT activities. Some become Interns at DO-IT Summer Study and participate in other work experiences. Once 2014 Summer Study was over, those Phase III Scholars who graduated from high school became DO-IT Ambassadors. DO-IT Ambassadors are pursuing postsecondary studies and careers. They share their experiences with DO-IT Scholars and Pals, encouraging them to pursue their goals in college and employment. All Scholars and Ambassadors can communicate with each other at doitkids@uw.edu, and with all Scholars, Pals, Ambassadors, and Mentors at doitchat@uw.edu.
Hi, I am Mikayla, and I graduated from Lynnwood High School in June 2014. My favorite class is sports medicine. I participated in my high school’s robotics team, and we went to nationals and placed 21st. I will attend Washington State University in the fall with an intended major of occupational therapy. I have a learning disability, dyslexia, and attention deficit disorder.
Hi my name is Hannah, and I am legally blind in my right eye. I graduated from Arlington High School. I will be attending Fresno State University in the fall. I plan on majoring in business administration or accounting.
My name is Peter, and I have autism. I graduated from Redmond High School in June 2014 and plan to attend the University of Washington (UW) in the fall. I hope to major in atmospheric sciences. I was part of my high school’s Environmental Club and Math Team. I wish to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. I enjoy watching baseball, and during the summer, I play for a softball team. My personality and character depend on the environment that I am in. In a friendly, relaxed environment, I can be very sociable and humorous. However, if I am not in a friendly environment, and especially if I am in a stressed environment or time crunch, I tend to be more reserved. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi, I am Jennifer, and I have spastic cerebral palsy. My favorite classes are history and English. I would like to work in the field of broadcasting and communications. I enjoy making slide shows of famous people; you can view them on YouTube under the user name “accustomcycle.” I also like reading, creative writing, and technology.
Hi, I’m Aaliyah. I am deaf and wear a cochlear implant to help me hear. I graduated from Edmonds-Woodway High School. I played softball and was a member of the Monroe High School Bearcats bowling team. I attend Edmonds Community College and plan to transfer to a four-year college to get a degree in early childhood education. I love dogs, especially my American Eskimo Husky named Princess. I competed in the Miss Teen Washington Pageant and made it to the top eleven. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi, my name is Lucas, and I have Goldenhar syndrome and a hearing impairment. This fall, I will be a senior at Sammamish High School. I especially enjoy math. I would like to attend the UW or the University of California, San Francisco. My goal is to go into the medical field, specifically anesthesiology. I ski, wakeboard, and participate on my high school’s soccer, swim, and golf teams. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi, my name is Cody, and I have cerebral palsy. I graduated from Gig Harbor High School, where my favorite classes are history and science. I would like a career in a technology field. I enjoy spending time on the computer and playing games. I also like playing power soccer, which I have been doing since 2006.
Hello, my name is Lindsay, and I have Asperger syndrome and attention deficit disorder. I attend Pacific University, where I am planning to major in creative writing and minor in German. My hobbies consist primarily of writing, reading, and artistic pursuits. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi, my name is Eric. I currently attend Everett Community College completing my pre-requisites. My interests have leaned towards acting and film. I have an unspecified learning disability which causes me to learn at a slower pace than other people. It really affects my math and English. I enjoy playing competitive video games with friends, along with snowboarding and ice skating. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hello! I’m Colton, and I have muscular dystrophy. I just finished my third quarter at Edmonds Community College. I am currently transferring to Green River Community College in pursuit of attaining an associate’s degree. Once that is completed, I will weigh my options on which four-year college I might want to attend. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hello, I’m Alex. I graduated from Kingston High School. My favorite classes include American Sign Language, English, and history. I have a passion for acting. I take acting classes and am a part of many productions. My favorite characters are those with a huge range of emotions. My dream job is to become an interpreter and an actor. I will be attending Western Oregon University in fall 2014, where I can pursue degrees in interpreting and acting in film/theatre. I have cerebral palsy. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi my name is Jessica, and I have spinal muscular atrophy. In the past year I graduated from Glacier Peak High School, where I participated in my high school’s Link Crew, National Honor Society, and Key Club. I was also the founding president of my school’s National Spanish Honor Society. I organized and ran Glacier Peak’s first muscular dystrophy fundraiser. I will be starting community college in the fall of 2014 where I will get my direct transfer degree in biology, as well as receive my clinical lab certification. My hopes for the future are to transfer to the UW and pursue a career in a science field.
Hi there! My name is Dominique, and I graduated from Mount Si High School. My favorite classes were art and English, and I would like to be an animator for Disney or Big Idea, Inc. (VeggieTales!). I love to draw, shop, play games, and be with my family. I also maintain an online art portfolio, and I’m adding new artwork all the time. This past year, I worked on a year-long stop-motion project with a group of other students at my school. The finished animation is on my website: www.djsartpotfolio.weebly.com. I now attend Bellevue College studying digital media arts (animation). I have a rare form of dwarfism called Kniest syndrome, as well as arthritis in all my joints.
Hi, my name is Allison, and I will be a sophmore at Montana State University. I love studying architecture, interior design, and graphic design; I would like to continue these studies in college. I play tennis, swim, draw, craft, and go to the shooting range. I have a unique skill of putting both socks on with my feet. I have thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome and Von Willebrand disease. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi, my name is Alicia, and I am deaf. I graduated from Edmonds Woodway High School. My favorite classes are math and science. I would like to become an emergency room doctor. I am a volunteer at Children’s Hospital, doing office work and running errands, but I hope to eventually work with kids directly. I am also a student assistant in the DO-IT office. I am a member of the Deaf Academic Bowl and have competed on a national level. I am attending the UW in the fall of 2014 for pre-med. I hope to go to Michigan State University or Johns Hopkins University for medical school. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Hi, my name is Nolan, and I graduated from Nathan Hale High School. I enjoy history, science, and math. I will be attending McDaniel College in Maryland and would like to eventually be a politician involved in creating laws. I enjoy following politics and hanging out with friends. I have arthrogryposis.
Hey I’m Grace! I’m deaf, and I attend Rochester Institute of Technology in New York as an engineering major. I aspire to work at Boeing or the National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) someday. Dance has been one of my lifelong passions; I hope to continue dancing in college. I was a DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Brenna Latchford, ‘13 Scholar
Was accepted with a full scholarship to the Yosemite NatureBridge project for summer 2014 and was the youngest filmmaker in the 2014 Port Townsend Film Festival.
Yomara Bedolla, ‘08 Scholar
Made the Dean’s list for fall and winter quarters in her senior year at the University of Washington (UW) Bothell.
Courtney Cole, ‘13 Scholar
Participated in the YES Program at the UW in the summer of 2014.
Dustine Bowker, ‘13 Scholar
Graduated high school in the top ten percent of all students in Washington.
Senait Tilahun, ‘03 Scholar
Participated in the 2012 Women’s Leadership program. Served on the board at the Ethiopian Community Center in Seattle.
Rahil Mehta, ‘13 Scholar
Participated in Youth and Government, a YMCA program where participants simulate a state legislative session.
Conrad Reynoldson, ‘03 Scholar
Became chair of the Governor’s Award Subcommittee and member of the Coordinating Committee for the Washington State Govenor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment.
Hannah Werbel, ‘13 Scholar
Participated in an internship at the Center for Sensory Neural Engineering (CNT).
Cristina Rodriguez, ‘10 Scholar
Will be the new disability outreach coordinator for the Associated Students of Western Washington University for the upcoming academic year.
Mikayla Blomquist, ‘12 Scholar
Placed 21st nationally with her high school robotics team.
Andrea Kovich, ‘00 Scholar
Accepted into theatre arts graduate program at San Diego State University.
Kayla Brown, ‘05 Scholar
Officially joined DO-IT staff as a program counselor/coordinator.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2011. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Hi, my name is Kim. I attend Everett Community College. I would like to get a degree in human services. I have acted in many plays, including Mad Breakfast, Clue, It’s A Wonderful Life, Little Woman, and The Night of One Acts. I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Hello, my name is Tess. I live in Seattle and have dysgraphia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I am interested in a career that involves my creativity, such as design, communications, or psychology. I attend Gonzaga University. I train dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Hi, I’m Paige. I live in Silverdale but soon I’ll be moving to Virginia. I graduated from high school and currently attend Central Washington University. My intended major is accounting with a minor in informational technology. I love to swim, camp, go to the movies, and explore new places.
Hi, my name is Jae. I’m attending Bellevue College, earning my associate of arts transfer degree. I enjoy English and writing. I love writing because it helps me express what I am thinking and feeling, since I can’t speak verbally. I would like to be an assistive technology specialist who gives people their voices through devices, because I can understand and relate to them. I have cerebral palsy.
Hello, my name is Diego. I attended Edmonds Community College but have decided to follow a path into business. I’ve been working at a grocery store for about a year and a half. My favorite sports to play are volleyball, soccer, football, and basketball. I still play the violin and the trumpet. I’m a nice, calm, shy kid but once you get to know me, you would see that I can make people laugh and smile. I have a learning disability.
Hi, my name is Cecily. I attend Spokane Community College. I would like to be a high school counselor, pharmacist, or psychologist. I enjoy watching movies and hanging out with friends. I have arthrogryposis and can’t use my hands so I use my feet for everything.
Hi, I’m Mauricio. I graduated from Highline High School, where my favorite subjects were math, science, and history. I am interested in the night skies and helping people. I am considering a career as a police officer or a chemical engineer. I like to play soccer and lift weights. I have a visual impairment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
My name is Joshua. I enjoy learning about history, literature, philosophy, political science, and languages. I also enjoy reading, writing, and photography. I currently attend the UW Bothell. I worked on my high school’s newspaper, and I hope to work on the UW newspaper as well. I also intend to join the debate club.
Hi, my name is Deicy, and I have spina bifida. I graduated from Eastmont High School. I volunteer with United Way. In my spare time, I like to play basketball and volleyball, bowl, write, and draw; these activities help me get my frustrations out in a positive way. I love hanging out with my youth group at church.
Hi, my name is Emily, and I am blind. I attend Gonzanga University. I would like to study math and psychology. I hope to work as a mechanical engineer and develop new tools for people with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Hi, my name is Erika, and I am deaf. I am a sophomore at UW. I plan to major in something computing related, but I’m still trying to figure out exactly what. I enjoy reading, traveling, hiking in nature, and photography. I am a volunteer at Seattle Children’s Hospital. I am also a student assistant in the DO-IT Office. I love talking to people so don’t be afraid to talk to me, I don’t bite. :)
Hi, my name is Sean. I graduated from Woodinville High School. I attended Bellevue College and now go to Arizona State through their online program. I enjoy studying math and chemistry. I lettered in basketball, baseball, and football for being team manager. Which sport is my favorite? They all are—for different reasons! I am an avid cook and enjoy reality TV and movies.
Hi. My name is Macy. I’m a senior at the UW pursuing a double major in disability studies and speech and hearing sciences. I attended Running Start at Highline Community College where I received my associate of arts degree along with my high school diploma before coming to the UW. Ultimately I’m interested in pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. I play soccer and am now a member of DO-IT’s ATeam. I have cerebral palsy.
Hi, my name is Kaylie, and I study culinary arts at South Seattle College. I would like to graduate with an associate of arts degree next year then go straight to work in a bakery. In the future, I’d like to operate my own business, Kakes by Kaylie. I am deaf.
Hi, I’m Jessie. I am an incoming junior at the UW. This summer I studied abroad in London for five weeks and learned about art, history, architecture, theatre, and British culture. After that, I participated in the Google Building Opportunities for Leadership and Development (BOLD) Immersion for three days. I also participated in the 2013 Summer Academy for Advancing Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Computing at the UW. My favorite classes are psychology, history, and art. I intend to major in human-centered design and engineering or informatics. I am deaf.
Hello, I’m Vaughn. I attend UW Bothell. My favorite subjects are science, history, and German. I hope to someday visit Germany and Ireland. I enjoy reading and listening to various kinds of music, including classical. I have a hearing impairment, fine motor weakness, and flat feet, which makes walking long distances difficult.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2010. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Hi, my name is Shawn, and I am blind. I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering along with three minors: business, mathematics, and aerospace engineering. I like wrestling, driving all-terrain vehicles and cars, playing sports, and doing other outdoor activities. I am studying abroad in Germany this summer.
Hi, my name is Rosa’Lea. I plan to attend Spokane Community College in the Culinary Arts Program. I have a learning disability.
Hi, my name is Ryan. I work at Lowes, and I am currently interning at Garage Auto Hero to develop my skills working on cars. I enjoy exploring my creativity with hands-on activities and challenging myself with math and architecture problem solving. I also enjoy designing and woodworking. I have sickle cell disease.
Hi, my name is Damon. I will be a junior at the University of Washington (UW). I plan to major in American Indian studies and anthropology. My goal is to become a college professor or a K-12 teacher. I enjoy music and camping.
Hi, my name is Marlise. I have Friedrich’s ataxia, a genetic neuromuscular disorder. Currently, I attend Western Washington University (WWU), and I plan to declare a major in creative writing. I stay active in theatre, and I was in several plays at WWU. I would like to have a career as a playwright or screenwriter. My dream job would be writing for Saturday Night Live.
Hi, my name is Garrett. I hope to study business and economics at the UW. I like studying Spanish, world issues, and problem solving. I enjoy music, video games, movies, and hanging out with friends. I also like bi-skiing and playing power wheelchair soccer.
Hi! My name is Angela. I attend Gonzaga University, majoring in psychology in hopes of going into pediatric psychiatry. I enjoy hanging out with friends, cooking new recipes, and watching movies. I completed an internship at the UW Center for Neurotechnology. I have a form of congenital myopathy.
Hi, my name is Maximo. I attend Flagler College where I am pursuing a degree in business. I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree this December with plans to travel after graduation. Last summer, I completed an internship at an entertainment and events company working on graphic arts and stage set up. This past semester, I interned with Mathews Design mainly focusing on architecture work. I enjoy art, writing, and music. I play the drums. I have dyslexia, so it is hard for me to read and spell.
Hello, my name is Benjy, and I attend Washington State University (GO COUGS!). I am interested in hospitality business management with a focus in hotels and restaurants.
Hi, my name is Eric. I attend the UW. I enjoy studying math and science, and hope to eventually earn a master’s degree in engineering. I enjoy playing golf. I have Crohn’s disease.
My name is Nicco, I am studying computational physics, with a minor is history at Washington State University. I’m the logistics coordinator and an instructor for The Wolf College, a outdoor education and training company. I am also part of a brand new survival training organization called the Wildernesses Wannabe[ast]s. I have trained with civilian, law enforcement, and military working dogs in protection and felony, drug, and explosives searches. I was an army cadet with the Cougar Battalion.
Hi, my name is Tatsuro. I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I am attending Seattle Pacific University studying English. I enjoy studying and reading about the creation and evolution debate. I also enjoy art and English classes. I would like to continue learning about these subjects, and hope to become an artist and a writer. I love animals and have a snake, bearded dragon, and two cats. I am a Christian and my faith is the driving force of my life.
Hi, my name is Niki. I attend the UW, where I am studying psychology. I enjoy many types of music and go to concerts with my friends. I have amyoplasia arthrogryposis.
Hi, my name is Cristina. I enjoy traveling and participating in community work for underrepresented populations. I attended a language school in Guatemala and did community work with the indigenous populations in rural areas. I am studying political science and law, diversity, and justice at Western Washington University (WWU), and I plan to pursue law school afterwards. This academic year, I will be the new disability outreach center coordinator for the Associated Students of WWU. I’ve had a chronic skin condition since 2005.
Hi, my name is Krysta. I attend Central Washington University. I’m majoring in social services and working on minors in American Sign Language (ASL) and ethnic studies. I’m working as a teaching assistant for the ASL program and preparing for an internship working with disability services in Ellensburg this summer.
Hi, my name is Jenica. I attend the UW. I hope to become a forensic psychologist and work with criminal or investigate cases. I have a visual impairment, and love meeting new people!
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2009. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Hi, my name is Vanessa. I graduated from Yakima Valley Community College and now have a part-time job as an office assistant at a local dental clinic. I enjoy studying the Bible and am a Bible study volunteer. My hobbies include reading, writing, music, and Sudoku puzzles. I love old movies and TV shows. I have athetoid cerebral palsy and mild hearing loss, but I look at these things as keeping my life from being dull.
Hi, my name is Bilal. I graduated from Edmonds Community College (ECC) with a construction management degree. At ECC, I worked as a part-time computer lab assistant, but I have been searching for a new job in my field. I enjoy studying English, and I would like to be an orthodontist some day. I like to play basketball, stay active, and learn new things. I have a learning disability.
Hi, my name is Reese. I have orthographic dysgraphia. I attend Gonzaga University. I love hanging out with my friends, composing music, being on the swim team, and going on vacations.
Hi, my name is Anna. I attend Shoreline Community College working towards a degree in special education. I have a brain tumor; some of the side effects are loss of vision and ataxia. I work at Jet City Improv as a house manager. In my free time I like to sleep and write.
Hi, I’m Ryan. I am a senior at Central Washington University, majoring in music performance and minoring in aviation management. I hope to become a professional timpanist and help design beautiful airport terminals that feature live music. I helped SeaTac airport launch their first-ever Wings for Autism event this year. I love performing locally and have traveled to Europe and Canada to perform in concerts. Last summer I went to Broadway in New York City to learn how to work in a professional musical pit. I’m proud to be a DO-IT Ambassador, and I also volunteer with www.InclusionWerks.org to help groups learn to include people with disabilities.
Hi, my name is Louis. I attend American University where I’m majoring in physics. I would like to transfer in order to pursue an agricultural or forestry engineering degree. In the summer, I work as a wildland firefighter and shellfish farmer. Before starting college, I took one year off. During that time, I lived and worked on a dairy farm in New Zealand and a kibbutz in Israel, and traveled to Oceania and Southeast Asia. I have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Some of my interests are rugby, soccer, logging, physics and writing. Someday I would like to be a farmer, logger, engineer, or writer.
Hi, my name is Shelby. I graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. I majored in communications with an emphasis on public relations. I hope to work in the entertainment, health, or nonprofit industries—maybe all three! At school, I was involved in BYU’s student leadership and service group as well as the BYU chapter of Public Relations Students Society of America. I was a marketing intern at a Seattle architecture firm. As a part of the internship, I had an article published in the American School Board Journal about involving students in the design process. In my spare time, I blog at www.shelbyhintze.blogspot.com as well as read other blogs, find new bands on YouTube, and hang out with my friends!
Hello, I’m Allegra. I took an online course with Penn Foster and have been certified as a freelance writer. I write poetry, short stories, and fiction books. My self-published ebook Knotted Strings can be found on Amazon. I have spinal muscular atrophy type 2, so I use a wheelchair. If you want to talk, feel free to email me or find me on Facebook.
Hi, my name is Sean. I graduated from the University of Washington (UW) with a degree in psychology. I hope to attend the UW graduate school to focus on computer usability research. I have worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Exo Labs. I am a member of the Center for Neurotechnology Student Leadership Council. As an Eagle Scout, I created angled stretching platforms that I donated to Childrens Hospital in Seattle. I have Becker muscular dystrophy. I play guitar.
Hi, my name is Leo. I enjoy mathematics and literature and would like to earn a degree in animation. Someday I would like to have a job that involves either video editing or animation. One of my personal achievements was receiving more than 350,000 views on videos that I created and posted on YouTube. I like to play video games that require building and strategy, I learn how computers work, and explore using them in multiple ways. I like to listen to most music, with the exception of country. I have a beagle. I have a spinal cord injury that affects the movements of my body—my right side is more limited than my left. Eventually, I would like to live alone in a small apartment in a relatively large city.
Hi, my name is Josh. I attend George Fox University. I am a sociology major with minors in writing and women’s studies. I enjoy writing fictional stories, poetry, and scripts (like screenplays). I am a member of the George Fox Jazz Ensemble and might join the symphonic band as well. I enjoy playing basketball, baseball, and football. I am a die-hard Seattle sports fan. I have Charcot-Marie-Toothe, a form of muscular dystrophy.
Hi, my name is Josh. I graduated from Clark College. I enjoy studying science and English. In the future I would like to be a youth pastor or counselor. I enjoy art, drawing, and building things. I have two dogs. I have spina bifida and a learning disability.
Hi, my name is Kristin. I earned my associate of arts degree from Whatcom Community College. My career goals include archeology or working in the mental health field. I like reading, traveling, hanging out with friends, and playing with my three dogs and my rabbit, Puck. I have dyslexia.
Hi, my name is Alex. I graduated from Skagit Valley College with my associate in arts transfer degree, and I would like to transfer to the UW or Western Washington University to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or business administration. In the future, I would like to become a police officer or forensic pathologist. I work part-time at Home Depot as a cashier/returns and special services associate. When not going to school, working, or sleeping, I enjoy working out, texting, cooking, driving, playing and watching sports, listening to and playing music, and just hanging out with friends. I have mild cerebral palsy.
Hi, my name is Joey. I have Asperger syndrome. I have a bachelor’s of science in electronics engineering technology with a computer engineering specialization from Central Washington University. A year ago, I worked on designing and building a keyboard emulator for single-switch assistive devices, thanks to internship funding from DO-IT’s AccessComputing project.
Hi, my name is Abby. I enjoy French and math. I would like to someday help the blind in other countries access technology. I like most genres of music and theater, reading and writing fan fiction, and fantasy and historical fiction books. I am blind with light perception. I am pursuing an associate of arts transfer degree at Clark College in Vancouver, WA.
Hi, my name is Chris. I attend Clark College which is so close to my home that I can walk or ride my bike. I usually walk or hike over nine miles each day which allows my mind to bring things into perspective. Learning about biodiversity and technological developments keeps me looking toward the future. My goal is to build a botanical career working in greenhouses, vineyards, forests, or national parks. I am fascinated with biomimicry and technological developments such as graphine, self-driving vehicles, and augmented-reality systems. I find ways around my continuing challenges with attention deficit disorder and dyslexia so that I can follow my passion for learning.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2008. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Spinal muscular atrophy type 2
Graduated from the University of Washington (UW) Bothell.
Studying personal training at Highline Community College. Works at the YMCA.
Erb’s palsy
Graduating from the UW next June with a double major in biology and public health. Pursuing a career in medicine; worked as a research assistant at Seattle BioMed. Interning at Harvard University during summer 2014.
Asperger syndrome
Graduated from Seattle University. Aspires to get a job in law or law enforcement and currently hoping to intern at a law firm. Plans to pursue unemployment law.
Dyslexia
Studies architectural design and drafting and plans to graduate in August 2014. Would like to pursue a career as an architectural draftsman.
Dyslexia
Graduated from Shoreline Community College with a two-year degree. Now attends The Evergreen State College.
Earned an associate’s degree from Bellevue College. Studying to be a graphic designer at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Volunteers for the National Ski Patrol.
Nonverbal learning disability and dysgraphia
Attends college and is interested in political science. Went to Olympia to lobby a bill for financial education in math classes. Worked as a youth camp counselor and soccer referee and wants to be a band teacher.
Plays basketball for the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Plans on being a youth counselor.
Earned an associate’s of arts degree in chemistry and associate of science degrees in chemistry and biology. Plans to pursue bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, and a master’s degree in biochemistry.
Graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in history and minors in Spanish and religion. Considering a job in business or government.
Cerebral palsy and specific learning disability
Earned an associate’s degree in applied science in business from Spokane Falls Community College. Plans to attend the Baking Professional Pastries and Specialty Cakes program at Spokane Community College.
Cerebral palsy and learning disabilities
Received an associate’s of applied science in business from Spokane Falls Community College and a certificate in social media. Plans to attend the Baking Professional Pastries and Specialty Cakes program at Spokane Community College.
Learning disability
Graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in business information systems with an emphasis in management. Accepted a job with Hewlett-Packard.
Dyslexia
Interested in computer programming, math, science, and choral singing.
Quadriplegia
Attends Everett Community College and plans to study psychology.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Attends Western Washington University pursuing a degree in political science and business. Has participated on Western’s debate team.
Cerebral palsy; visual and hearing impairments
Attends Cascadia Community College. Hopes to transfer to UW Bothell for fall 2015 and major in Community Psychology. Would like to work with children or adults with special needs. Getting a service dog.
Attends Western Oregon University, working to earn a bachelor’s degree and become an American Sign Language interpreter. Considering pursuing a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and eventually working with individuals who are deaf. Currently works at Ross Dress for Less.
Working towards an associate of arts degree. Interested in pursuing a career that involves working in early childhood education or development.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2007. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Friedreich’s ataxia
Graduated with a degree in business from the University of Portland.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Earned an associate of science degree in networking from Walla Walla Community College. Pursuing jobs in computer repair and troubleshooting.
Cerebral palsy (essential tremor)
Attends community college majoring in sociology.
Cerebral palsy
Pursuing an urban studies degree at the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma. Also attended St. Martin’s University. Applied for a Summer 2014 transportation internship in Washington, DC.
Left-side hemiplegia
Earned an associate of arts and science degree from Whatcom Community College. Currently studying biological anthropology at Western Washington University.
Severe high frequency hearing loss
Graduated from Chapman University and is a certified athletic trainer.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Pursuing a degree in library science at Spokane Falls Community College. Working as a para-educator in the Sprague School District.
Autism, Gorlin syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder
Earned an associate of arts degree from Grays Harbor College. Works at health department in South Bend, WA.
Blind
Attends The Evergreen State College studying psychotherapy. Volunteers at Thurston County Crisis Clinic.
Cerebral palsy, learning disability (reading)
Attends Central Washington University majoring in broadcast journalism.
Asperger syndrome
Graduated from The Evergreen State College. Taught English in Shijazhuang, China.
Spina bifida
Working towards a bachelor’s degree in English and language arts teaching from Central Washington University. Worked as a teaching assistant at the UW’s Robinson Center summer school program and has studied abroad at the University of Dundee in Scotland.
Dyspraxia
Earned a certificate in park aid from Skagit Valley College. Currently working towards an associate’s degree for first aid. Works during the summer at Bayview State Park. Wants to become a park ranger.
Tourette syndrome
Attends Western Washington University majoring in environmental studies and finishing up prerequisites to apply for Huxley School of the Environment. Hopes everyone reading this enjoys, utilizes, and appreciates DO-IT and the skills learned to become successful in school and life.
Traumatic brain injury
Attends Yakima Valley Community College.
Attention deficit disorder
Transferred from Tacoma Community College to the UW to study biology.
Visual impairment, legally blind
Earned a degree in psychology and economics from The Evergreen State College. Interested in pursuing a master of social work degree. Involved in an occupational therapy program with Services for the Blind in Seattle from September to April.
Asperger syndrome, nonverbal learning disability, attention deficit disorder
Graduated with a degree in library science from the UW Bothell. Administers the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2006. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Hard of hearing, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dysgraphia
Studied mechanical engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Works at Sage as a computer production technician.
Hard of hearing, mild cerebral palsy, mitochondrial disease
Earned a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from Rochester Institute of Technology. Worked as a research assistant for a child development lab. Hoping to publish her own research on classroom environment and student learning. Currently considering graduate school and career options in the research and library science fields with a goal of finding employment at the University of Washington (UW). DO-IT Intern at Summer Study 2014.
Mobility impairment
Pursuing a career as a DJ.
Turner syndrome, nonverbal learning disorder
Studied library sciences at Highline Community College. Attends Central Washington University.
Right-sided weakness, learning disability
Plans to become a physical therapist or work with children.
Learning disability
Graduated from Western Washington University (WWU) with a double major in Spanish and law, diversity, and justice. Founder of the WWU Student Coalition for Immigration Rights. Plans to continue work with migrant youth and families.
Hand deformity
Earned a degree in political science and economy from the UW. Served as a volunteer on the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment and as an advocate for the Andrew Hughes Campaign for Congress. Currently an operations assistant at KBA Construction Management.
Proximal femoral focal deficiency, bone deformities
Attending Portland Community College this fall. Works as a social media intern for the Cascade AIDS Project in Portland, OR. Also works at Hollister and a mall information desk. Involved in youth activism and in his church as the young adults leader.
Cerebral palsy
Pursuing an associate’s degree in social work at Green River Community College. Volunteered for the Strengthening Partners and Raising Kids program at the Children’s Home Society and for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Visual impairment
Studied computer and network technologies at Renton Technical College.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Graduated from Cascadia Community College. Currently pursuing a career as a comedian.
Learning disability
Attends Skagit Valley College and hopes to become a meteorologist.
Earned a degree in international studies with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture from the University of Idaho. Works in the tasting room at DeLille Winery and as an instructional assistant for the Lake Washington School District. Studies math at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Member of the Lake Union Crew Team.
Asperger syndrome
Earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Attention deficit disorder
Earned a degree in sociology, with minors in Chinese and anthropology, from Haverford College. Interned at the Department of Defense as a research assistant and was a seventh grade science teacher with Teach for America.
Hearing impairment, tetraphocomelia.
Attended Cascadia Community College. Motivational speaker who has been featured in many news and television shows. Co-authored the book, My Message is C.L.E.A.R., in 2012.
Cerebral palsy
Working at Northwestern Mutual as a data analyst.
Cerebral palsy
Took classes in anatomy, physiology and psychology at Shoreline Community College. Participates in the Mount Baker Council and volunteers at the Seattle Marathon each year. Training to be on the United States Para-Equestrian Team.
Seizure disorder
Earned a bachelor of arts degree from Washington State University in business administration with a focus in management and operations.
Blind, bilateral hearing loss
Earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a focus in human-computer interaction from Stanford University. Works at Google improving the accessibility of Google+. In 2013, was the keynote speaker at the second Annual Math and Science Conference for Principals of Schools for the Blind. Has a black labrador named Lexia as her first guide dog.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2005. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Hearing impairment, cerebral palsy
Attends Seattle Central Community College and plans to become a counselor or a chef.
Spina bifida
Pursuing an associate’s degree at Yakima Valley Community College and plans to transfer to Central Washington University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law and justice with a minor in physiology. Wants to work in the juvenile court system. Married.
Cerebral palsy
Earned an associate’s degree from Yakima Valley Community College. Plans to transfer to Central Washington University to work towards a communications degree. Would like to work as a public relations advocate for people with disabilities.
Central core disease, muscular dystrophy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in community psychology from the University of Washington (UW) Bothell. Working towards a master’s degree in social work at the UW. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2011. Works at the DO-IT Center.
Dyslexia
Graduated from Green River Community College. Works for Chase Bank as a branch manager.
Cerebral palsy
Pursuing a certificate in theater and art at Shoreline Community College. Considering pursuit of an associate’s degree. Volunteers at the Hunger Intervention Program food bank and with Summer Meals, helping serve healthy lunches to less fortunate kids. Volunteered at a kid’s theater camp in summer 2014.
Dysgraphia
Earned an associate’s degree in fire science. Completed classroom training to become a paramedic. Planning to take the national certification to become a firefighter paramedic.
Marlen Islas, ‘05 Scholar
Learning disabilities
Works in billing for a house-cleaning service on an island in the San Juans. May pursue a dental program.
Cerebral palsy
Enjoys playing bass guitar, working out, and having a good time with friends.
Tourette syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder
Earned degrees in criminal justice and Spanish from the University of Portland. Traveled to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Currently teaching at a local college in Seattle. Looks forward to an international internship in education or criminal justice.
Learning disability
Pursuing a certificate in personal training at Bellevue College, and hopes to get a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Works part-time.
Asperger syndrome
Earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology and a certificate of crime analysis from Seattle University. Working on a second novel.
Cerebral palsy
Graduated from the UW. Works at the North Seattle Community College Disability Services Office. Member of the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, and worked for the Committee to make the “Accessible Communities” website. Plays wheelchair basketball for the Tacoma Titans. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2010.
Graduated from Eastern Washington University.
Cerebral palsy
Volunteers at Kent Commons.
Morquio’s syndrome
Attended Bellevue College and lives in an apartment with a roommate.
Cerebral palsy
Earned master’s degrees in business administration and information science from Western Washington University. Works as a user interface analyst at SSB Bart Group in McLean, VA. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2008.
Spina bifida
Currently attending Interface College to become a medical assistant.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2004. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability (written language)
Earned a bachelor of music degree from Western Washington University and a master of music degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Currently auditioning for operatic roles around the U.S. and Europe. Focusing on opera performances and public outreach to increase people’s exposure to opera in the world.
Traumatic brain injury
Earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities for teaching with a minor in mathematics from Seattle University (SU); currently pursing a master’s degree in teaching at SU. Worked at The Seven, an Episcopalian program for young adults. Received the DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2011.
Amyoplasia arthrogyposis multiplex congenita
Earned a degree in speech communications with a minor in leadership studies from Whitworth University. Currently works for People to People Ambassadors Program doing outbound sales and teaches music part-time.
Attention deficit disorder
Graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in biology. Worked in a neuro-electrophysiology lab.
Cerebral palsy
Graduated from a music business school in Hollywood. Currently studying psychology at Los Angeles Valley College in Van Nuys, CA. Would like to pursue a career in forensic psychology.
Learning disability
Cares for her two children, Jordan and Austin, and her mother-in-law.
Cerebral palsy
Employed as a para-educator working with young adults with autism. Uses art to express experiences as a person with a disability.
Dyslexia, diabetic, adrenal failure
Earned undergraduate degree from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington (UW). Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Spina bifida
Plans on attending Everett Community College.
Graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in human services. Currently looking for a part-time job.
Cerebral palsy
Graduated from Shoreline Community College; was transferring to the UW to study social work and disability law when she died after surgery in July 2010. Engaged with the Arc of Snohomish County and Disability Rights Washington and competed in the Special Olympics.
Cerebral palsy
Earned an associate’s degree from Cascadia Community College. Studying society, ethics, and human behavior at UW Bothell. Honor student.
Cerebral palsy
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator for The Arc of Whatcom County. Volunteers at Parent to Parent of Whatcom County, Max Higbee Center, and Down Syndrome Outreach of Whatcom County.
Attention deficit disorder and dyslexia
Earned a degree in English from Western Washington University. Worked with the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry in Philadelphia.
Asperger syndrome
Volunteers for three organizations and bowls for the Special Olympics in South Florida. Part of the Athlete Leadership Program for Special Olympics of Broward County. Currently pursuing employment.
Mobility impairment
Passed away in January 2014. Attended Cascadia Community College. Completed an internship with the UW’s Athletic Department, Women’s Crew.
Visual impairment
Earned degrees in economics and math from Gonzaga University; currently pursuing a doctoral degree in finance at the University of Southern California. Interned at Boeing, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Oceanic and Atmosphere Association (NOAA).
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Earned a degree in art history with a minor in Spanish from Pacific Lutheran University. Tutored college students in Spanish.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University. Pursuing a position as an engineer involved in the use of nuclear fusion as an energy source.
Mobility impairment
Attended Columbia Basin College; plans to transfer to Eastern Washington University to study child psychology.
Cerebral palsy, ataxia, learning disability
Earned an associate’s degree from Olympic College and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and family studies from the UW. Pursuing a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Western Washington University.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2003. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Central Washington University. Died in spring 2010.
Traumatic brain injury
Graduated from Columbia High School.
Mobility impairment
Received a bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of Washington (UW). Previously attended the University of Arizona in Tucson and swam for the U.S. at the Paralympics in China.
Short-term memory loss
Graduated from Stanwood High School. Has worked at a food bank and an animal shelter.
Learning disability
Earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Central Washington University, summa cum laude and Presidential Scholar, and a master’s degree in education from Lesley University, specializing in curriculum development through the arts. Has worked in the juvenile detention system, and at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Teaches elementary school students who have autism.
Low vision
Attended Spokane Community College.
Cerebral palsy
Attends Centralia Community College, majoring in early childhood education. Would like to study psychology.
Cerebral palsy
Attends American InterContinental University online, studying business administration.
Spina bifida
Passed away in May 2008, after a sixteen-month battle with cancer. Received an honorary degree from Landmark College.
Cerebral palsy, learning disabilities
Works in real estate management.
Blind
Attends Clark College, studying broadcasting. Interested in novel writing and becoming a DJ.
Cerebral palsy
Earned degrees in English, Spanish, and political science from the University of Portland. Attends law school at Willamette University.
Learning disability
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social science with a focus on environmental studies from the UW. Works as a professional photographer in Seattle.
Muscular dystrophy
Earned a law degree from the UW School of Law after graduating summa cum laude from Seattle Pacific University. Passed the Uniform Bar Exam in 2014. Vice President of UW’s Disability Law Alliance. Interned in Washington, DC, as part of the American Association of People with Disabilities Congressional Internship and the Heritage Foundation’s Young Leaders Program. Received the Blackstone Legal Fellowship in 2013 and a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2012, and was the first person to use a powered wheelchair in the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. Currently serves as chair of the Governor’s Award Subcommittee and member of the Coordinating Committee for the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.
Bilateral radial club hand
Graduated from Washington State University with a major in hospitality business management. Working in the hospitality industry.
Dyslexia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Goshen College. Senior software engineer at Digital Foundry, leading teams to create custom mobile and web applications for clients in a variety of industries. Internships included: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Microsoft, and IBM.
Health and vision impairment
Earned a degree in medical anthropology and global health from the UW. Participated in leadership personal and professional development training and programs, including the UW’s Women’s Leadership Institute. Advocates for people with disabilities and is pursuing employment in international health or public service.
Cerebral palsy
Earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Big Bend Community College. Works as an office administrator for Blue Sky Management.
Hearing impairment
Works as a sign language interpreter at an elementary school in Yakima. Married with one child.
Attention deficit disorder
Earned an associate’s degree in machine technology and mechanical engineering from Bellingham Technical College. Earned an associate’s degree in electrical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University. Working as a mechanical engineer for a company in Burlington, WA.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2002. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Learning disability, attention deficit disorder
Works as a dental assistant.
Osteogenesis imperfecta, syringomyelia
Attended Big Bend Community College with a major in accounting. Passed away January 2011.
Learning disability
Works at a nursing home as a nurse’s aid.
Mobility impairment
Pursuing a degree in computer information systems at Skagit Valley College. Interested in software engineering, website construction, and other computer-related occupations.
Learning disability
Attended Bellevue College. Would like to pursue a career as a social worker.
Learning disability
Earned an associate’s degree from Clark College. Attends Washington State University (WSU) pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Plans on applying to veterinary school at WSU.
Autism spectrum disorder
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political economics and history and a master’s degree in policy studies from the University of Washington (UW). Worked at the Defense Contract Management Agency and at the UW’s Access Technology Center.
Low vision
Earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the UW. Previously a research scientist in the Shendure Lab in UW’s Department of Genome Science, now a stay-at-home mom.
Mobility impairment
Earned a degree in political science from The Evergreen State College.
Health impairment
Earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Columbia Basin College.
Learning disability
Studies design at Cornish College of the Arts. Works in abstract painting.
Cerebral palsy
Earned degrees in political science and communications from the UW. Interned at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Civil Liberties Union. Works at Inbios International Incorporated for infectious diseases diagnostics as a document control specialist and equality systems analyst.
Muscular dystrophy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the UW. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2009. Works as a software development engineer at Microsoft.
Learning disability
Earned a bachelor of arts in comparative literature with honors from the University of Washington. Lives in Washington, DC, and works in new media, analyzing user behavior for a news magazine website.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a law degree from Gonzaga University. Works at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Cerebral palsy
Attended community college and studies psychology with hopes to become a social worker or counselor for teenagers.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2001. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Quadriplegia
Was looking forward to earning a college degree and becoming a software engineer when he died in April 2003 from a respiratory infection.
Generalized anxiety disorder, learning disability
Earned a bachelor of science degree in sociology and is currently pursuing his degree in mechanical engineering technology from Central Washington University.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Achieved his childhood dream of attending the University of Washington (UW). Died in his dorm room in February 2004.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a master’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University.
Attention deficit disorder
Attended college in Spokane, WA
Visual and mobility impairment
Earned an associate’s of arts degree from Skagit Valley Community College and has taken classes at Western Washington University. Currently pursuing a computer networking program at Bellingham Technical College. Interested in pursuing a career in assistive computer technology for persons with disabilities.
C7 quadriplegic, profoundly deaf, respiratorily fragile
Graduated from South Puget Sound Community College; transferred to The Evergreen State College to earn a teaching degree and is currently studying Spanish.
Neurofibromatosis
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social services from Central Washington University. currently pursuing a certificate in library and information services at Highline Community College.
Dyslexia, short-term memory defect
Works as a safety and health manager for Georgia-Pacific in Albany/Eugene, OR. Married with one child.
Mostly paralyzed on left side, epilepsy
Earned a bachelor of arts degree from The Evergreen State College, and a master of education degree in counseling from the University of Puget Sound. Works with a nonprofit organization assisting people with disabilities entering the workforce.
Deaf
Earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the UW. Works as an accountant at Holland America Lines.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bilateral clubfeet
Earned a bachelor’s degree in archeology from the University of West Florida.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Central Washington University. Works as a substitute teacher in Everett Public Schools.
Asperger syndrome
Currently between jobs and still doing his best to be creative. Is a gamer.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Graduated from Seattle Pacific University. Studied to be a Spanish–English interpreter and translator.
Attends the University of Minnesota, Crookston, majoring in equine science and minoring in flight aviation. Works with people with disabilities at Connections of Moorhead.
Learning disability
Would like to become a history or science teacher.
Transverse myelitis
Graduated from the University of Arizona. Currently enrolled in a master’s program at San Jose State University in child and adolescence development. Has worked at an Internet marketing firm in San Jose. Competed in several events at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Went to France for the world championship in track and field during July 2013. Married.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a degree in environmental sciences and technology from UW Bothell. Commissioner on the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Earned an associate’s degree from Clark College; currently studying digital technology and culture at Washington State University.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 2000. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington (UW). Works for the Centers for Disease Control as the lead at the Section 508 Help Desk in North Carolina.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a master’s degree in education.
Blind
Earned an associate’s degree from Wenatchee Valley College; attends Central Washington University, majoring in public relations.
Mild static encephalopathy, patella femoral syndrome
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the UW. Graduated from the funeral service program at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Currently working at a funeral home in Seattle, and married to fellow Scholar, Nohemi Romero.
Dyslexic dysgraphic
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, with honors, from University of Oklahoma. President of Kellner Capital, a New York City based investment management firm.
Earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies and is beginning graduate studies in Theatre Arts.
Cerebral palsy
Works as a self-advocacy coordinator and with a women’s group at the Advocate’s for the Rights of Citizens of Snohomish. Trainer for the Transition Club at Lake Stevens, Marysville, Arlington, and Monroe. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2010.
Learning disability
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University and a master’s degree in sustainable real estate development from Tulane University. Served in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the UW and a master’s degree from Gonzaga University. Married with a daughter.
Aphasia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology and administrative management from Central Washington University. Works at Nordstrom.
Visual impairment
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University; attends graduate school in vocational rehabilitation counseling at Western Washington University. Engaged and living in the Seattle area.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a certificate in culinary arts from North Seattle Community College.
Dyslexia and other learning differences
Earned an associate of arts degree from Shoreline Community College with two supporting certificates in film. Completed the fast conductor course at the National Academy of Railroad Sciences. Digital media manager for the Decision Education Foundation and lead mapper for Pivot Edmonds, an online community resource.
Cerebral palsy
Earned an associate’s degree in computer science; plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Married and living in the Seattle area.
Hearing impairment
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University. Has a son.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1999. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Central Washington University. Works for Maker’s Tool Works, a 3D printer company, providing documentation and customer support. Previously worked several contracts for Microsoft testing software, including user interface accessibility.
Speech and learning disabilities
Earned a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation from Central Washington University. Runs a daycare business and inflatable playhouse rental business for parties. Has children.
Spina bifida and attention deficit disorder
Pursuing an associate’s degree in arts and sciences at Tacoma Community College (TCC), with plans to continue studies in social welfare. Works in TCC’s enrollment services office.
Mobility, speech, and hearing impairments
Earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in creative writing from Central Washington University.
Attended Seattle Central College.
Quadriplegia
Attended Yakima Community College.
Muscular dystrophy
Graduated from Big Bend Community College and was interested in a career in computer-aided design or video game programming when he passed away in March 2005.
Deaf
Earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Western Oregon University (WOU); currently pursuing a master’s degree in deaf education at WOU. Plans to work as a coach and teacher.
Learning disability
Earned an associate’s degree in computing from Spokane Falls Community College and is enrolled at Western Governors University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in information technology network design and management. Works as a lead in the IT department of Numerica Credit Union. Married with children.
Learning disability
Earned an associate’s degree from Grays Harbor College.
Freeman-Sheldon syndrome
Attended Seattle Central College. Learned Mandarin at the Mandarin Training Center at the National Taiwan Normal University.
Larsen syndrome, double amputee with two artificial legs
Earned a bachelor’s degree in European studies with a minor in political science from the University of Washington (UW). Works at the National Oceanic and Atmoshperic Administration Fisheries Science Center as an information technology specialist.
Cerebral palsy, language and processing disabilities
Attends Shoreline Community College. Interested in creating a club where people who have physical disabilities can gather, socialize, and participate in events. Blogs about disability and advocacy issues at naynaynews.blogspot.com.
Visual impairment
Earned a degree in political science and philosophy from the University of Portland. Worked in nonprofit environments, including a homeless shelter in Uganda. Plans to pursue Peace Corps service in sub-Saharan Africa.
Learning disability
Attended Skagit Valley College and the UW.
Cerebral palsy
Works as a substitute teacher.
Spina bifida
Earned a degree in social sciences from Seattle Central College. Works as a child life specialist. Has worked at the Langston Hughes Program for Youth.
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Earned an associate’s degree from Edmonds Community College; currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering at Washington State University.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1998. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Brain injury
Earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a master’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Idaho. Works for Goddard Flight Space Center in Maryland.
Traumatic brain injury
Earned an associate’s degree in integrated studies from Cascadia Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in global studies with a minor in human rights from the University of Washington (UW) Bothell. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2012. Working to become a freelance professional genealogist. Active member of the Eastside Genealogical Society based in Bellevue.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology at Florida International University. Works as a communications consultant in the nonprofit sector.
Cerebral palsy, autism
Volunteers for Salvation Army and is a peer mentor working with challenged adults. Participates in Special Olympics track, swimming, and basketball. Lives in community living with assistance.
Earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Spokane Falls Community College.
Glaucoma
Earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans.
Mobility impairment
Attended Spokane Falls Community College. Hopes to become a network security analyst.
Cerebral palsy
Graduated from secretarial school and attended business courses at Anoka Technical College. Manages her own business.
Attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia
Head technician for AV-Pro, co-owner of Faded Karma Productions, on call front desk supervisor at the Hotel Max, and live sound engineer for Super Geek League’s Sci Fi Punk Circus.
Cerebral palsy
Studied social work at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Received a black labrador service dog named Jersey from Paws With a Cause.
Learning disability
Earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Teaches high school math.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the UW and a master’s degree in sports management from the University of San Francisco. Works as the information technology director for Glostone Trucking Solutions and as chief operations officer and chief technology officer of Med-Safe Management.
Cerebral palsy
Earned two associate’s degrees and works full time at the Federal Aviation Administration as an office administrator.
Mobility impairment
Attended South Puget Sound Community College.
Dyslexia
Attended Santa Fe Community College and the University of New Mexico. Studying dance in Spain.
Visual impairment
Interested in attending a community college in the Portland area.
Visual impairment
Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame.
Congenital stationary night blindness, some motor deficiencies
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grinnell College and a doctoral degree in public affairs and policy from Portland State University.
Ataxia telangiectasia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and geology from Northeastern University. Died in April 2006.
Quadriplegia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from University of Phoenix.
Blind
Earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Works for Nebraska’s Office of the Chief Information Officer as an Internet application developer.
Attention deficit disorder
Earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Valley State University.
Dyslexia
Full-time mother and wife.
Deaf
Earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Montana.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, magna cum laude, from Arizona State University; and a law degree from the University of San Francisco. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2009. Works as a lawyer in the Bay area.
Learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Earned a bachelor of science degree, double majoring in mathematical sciences and physics, from the University of Alberta. Earned a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education. Works for Qi Creative as an education consultant and behavior coach, helping children with special needs, their families, and their communities. Runs his own marketing company that specializes in social cause and social norm campaigns.
Visual impairment
Interested in programming or designing video games.
Dyslexia, attention deficit disorder
Earned a bachelor’s degree in informatics with a minor in dance from the UW. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2005. Works for Amazon.
Cerebral palsy, learning disability
Earned a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a law degree from University of Maryland. Works as a lawyer.
Attention deficit disorder
Works as musician.
Blind
Hopes to attend college for computer or radio broadcasting.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, communication disorder
Worked in retail.
Scoliosis and kyphosis with metatrophic dwarfism, dysplasia, epilepsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from The Evergreen State College.
Tourette syndrome, attention deficit disorder, panic disorder
Earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Seattle University.
Dyslexia
Earned a degree in physical education from Ball State University. Works as a high school physical education teacher and head volleyball coach. Also head coach of the Minnesota One Junior Olympic Volleyball Team. Married.
Visual impairment
Plans to pursue a career in music.
Spinocerebellar degeneration
Attended Pacific University to pursue a degree in education.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1997. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Mobility impairment
Earned an associate of applied science degree in graphic arts from Monroe Community College. Also studied physics at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Works as a lead technician at Frontier Communications.
Paraplegia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in computer systems integration from the University of Great Falls; graduated with honors. Works as a freelance writer.
Blind
Earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Currently lives in Spring Valley, CA. Loves her career as a homemaker, enjoys hosting other people in her home, and is looking forward to receiving her first guide dog.
Achondroplasia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Washington.
Epilepsy
Attended Bellevue Community College. Works at Target as a cashier.
Paraplegia
Studied business at Northern Arizona University and worked at Pima Community College as a business mathematics tutor.
Quadriplegia
Earned an associate’s degree in design drafting and a mechanical design certificate from Green River Community College; currently pursuing an architectural and civil drafting degree.
Blind
Attended college.
Spina bifida with upper motor neuron dysfunction
Earned a doctoral degree in political theory and international politics from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of International Studies.
Profoundly deaf
Earned degrees in English and publishing from the University of Connecticut. Works for a survey sampling service, supporting market research companies.
Mobility impairment
Earned a bachelor of accountancy degree from Mississippi State University and a master of business administration degree from Belhaven University. Works for Lafayette County as the accounts payable clerk.
Severe hearing loss
Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master of business administration degree from the University of New Haven. Works for a hedge fund administrator as a senior fund accountant. Lives in San Francisco.
Ischemic spinal cord injury
Earned a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in micro electronics and photonics from the University of Arkansas. Recipient of the Walton Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship.
Blind
Attended the University of Utah and was pursuing a career in engineering when he died in 2001 after a battle with cancer.
Earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a law degree from Georgetown University. Worked in the United States Senate. Currently practices corporate law in New York.
Visual impairment
Earned a certification for teaching people with visual impairments, a bachelor’s degree in social science, and a master’s degree in education from Portland State University. Studied orientation and mobility at the University of Northern Colorado. Teaches elementary school children at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB). Vice-president of USDB Education Association. Actively involved in the guide dog community.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1996. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology with minors in computer science and chemistry from Eastern Washington University. Works as a research associate in the pharmaceutical industry.
Paraplegia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Arizona and a medical degree from Stanford University. Internal medicine resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2004. Competitor in many wheelchair racing events, including the 2004 Athens Paralympics and 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
Brain tumor
Earned a degree in computer science from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Albinism and low vision
Attended Eastern Oregon State College.
Hearing impairment
Graduated magna cum laude with a degree in graphic communications and emphasis in multimedia from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Works as a web administrator for Daktronics.
Hearing impairment
Studied public policy and administration at Western Oregon University. Works for the Oregon Department of Justice and Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Deaf
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the Rochester Institute for Technology; currently pursuing a master of social work degree at California State University, East Bay. Interning at Family and Children Services in San Jose, CA. Has a daughter and service dog.
Attention deficit disorder
Attended Pacific Lutheran University.
Cerebral palsy
Attended San Diego State University, studied political science and interior design with an interest in designing accessible homes. Mentor for the Center for Emerging Leadership.
Diabetes
Earned a bachelor’s degree in English and art from Augustana College, and a master’s degree in teaching from City University. Returned to Washington to pursue a career as a middle school teacher.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a doctoral degree in genetics and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in exercise physiology at Iowa State University with a research emphasis in ras-mediated signal transduction in cancer cells. Assistant professor of biology at University of Maryland University College.
Larsen syndrome
Earned a bachelor’s degree in economic finances and information technology management and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of California, Berkeley.
Blind
Earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Specializes in software and web accessibility consulting.
Cerebral palsy
Attended Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA.
Attention deficit disorder
Earned a degree in graphic design from the University of Massachusetts. Works as a graphic designer.
Muscular dystrophy
Earned an associate’s degree in horticulture science from Hawkeye Community College. Works in landscape design and freelance web design. Owns a nursery and garden shop, specializing in water gardens and hostas. Web editor on the Board of Directors for American Hosta Society.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1995. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Blind
Earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Minnesota, Crookston and a master’s degree in instructional design and technology from the University of North Dakota. Is a certified vision rehabilitation therapist. Works as an assistive technology specialist for Minnesota State Services for the Blind.
Learning disability
Has helped build Toyota pickups.
Attention deficit disorder, learning disability
Has worked in a technical support role.
Muscular dystrophy
Had a strong desire to go to college and open his own computer drafting business when he died of complications from pneumonia in 1996.
Psoriatic arthritis
Attended Shoreline Community College.
Quadriplegia
Attended both Central and Eastern Washington Universities.
Dyslexia
Attended college courses and is interested in architecture.
Cerebral palsy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Southern Illinois University and a master of social work degree from Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Worked as a graduate assistant for GVSU’s School of Social Work, and in program development at a child abuse prevention agency.
Learning disability
Completed college coursework and works in the customer service field.
Quadriplegia
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social services at Central Washington University and a web design certificate from the Art Institute online. Works as a small business owner and as an advocate for people with disabilities. Member of Self Advocates in Leadership.
Deaf
Attended Pierce College and has been working with commercial glass as a journeyman glazier. Plays on a Northwest National Softball Association of the Deaf team and is coaching this year. Married with children.
Brain injury
Pursuing a successful career as a door maker.
Hearing impairment
Earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and speech and hearing sciences from Whitman College and a doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Washington (UW). Pediatric audiologist at Children’s Hospital in Seattle.
Epidermolysis bullosa
Attended the UW with an interest in technical communication. Died in the spring of 2012.
Mobility impairment
Earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from the University of San Diego. Works for the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis. In 2009, served as Ms. Wheelchair Washington, and was first runner up for Ms. Wheelchair America. Married.
Cerebral palsy
Attended college courses and continues to be interested in computers.
Spinal cord injury, C4 Quadriplegia
Founder of C4 Consulting & Todd Against The Machine. Married and is a father.
Renal failure, hearing loss
Earned teaching degree and certificate.
Cerebral palsy
Worked as a web accessibility specialist, a disability advocate, and personal care assistant. Received Presidential Volunteer Services Award in 2010.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1994. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Cerebral palsy, learning disabilities
Works in technical service department for the Prentke Romich Company. Lectures at universities on augmentative and alternative communication. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2007. Assisted in writing the book, Transition Strategies for Adolescents and Young Adults Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication by David McNaughton and David Beukelman.
Spinal muscular dystrophy
Earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington, and a law degree from Pepperdine School of Law. Passed the Washington State Bar exam and practiced law in Kennewick, WA. Passed away in April 2008.
Undiagnosed severe neuropathy
Founder and director of GimpGirl Community at www.gimpgirl.com.
Post-polio
Works for a utility company. Married mother living in Vancouver, WA.
Learning disability
Earned an associate’s degree from Pierce Community College. Works as the Seattle-DC supervisor for Pacific Office Automation. Married with five children.
Health and orthopedic impairments, dwarfism
Earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Utah State University. Works for 21st Century Technologies as a software engineer. Plans to receive a kidney transplant. Married.
Health impairment, speech impairment, nervous system dysmorphia, congenital scoliosis
Earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics with a minor in applied mathematics from the University of Washington. Works in Japan at a company that manufactures and sells insecticide products and other items.
Visual impairment
Earned a degree in psychology from Southern Oregon University.
Muscular dystrophy
Worked at Columbia Industries in Kennewick, WA. Died in October 2003.
Paralysis from brain injury
Participates in various volunteer positions in the community.
Dyslexia
Graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Married with a child.
Cerebral palsy, low vision
Studied science in college.
Visual impairment
Earned a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in information technology management from Western Governors University, and a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Oregon State University. Worked as a chief information officer and chief technology officer; now works as a full-time tenure track professor of information technology at Oregon Institute of Technology. Teaches classes in networking, system administration, information security, and health informatics. Also works as a consultant in IT leadership, infrastructure design, and IT service management. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2009. Married and living in Wilsonville, OR.
Chronic lyme disease
Earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Pacific Lutheran University and a master’s degree and PA-C (Physician’s Assistant with Certification) from Pacific University. Works in Works in San Diego as a neurology hospitalist PA-C.
The following Ambassadors began participating in DO-IT as Scholars in 1993. They continue to pursue college and career goals and encourage younger DO-IT Scholars and Ambassadors.
Stroke and partial paralysis
Earned a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in applied psychology from Eastern Washington University; currently pursuing a master of social work degree through an online program at University of Southern California. Married and a mother.
Attended Big Bend Community College and Eastern Washington University. Was developing plans for an Internet-based business when he died peacefully in his sleep in 2001.
Hearing impairment
Earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington State University, and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Eastern Washington University. Works at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical center in Vancouver, WA, as an inpatient physical therapist. Received her second bilateral cochlear impant. Mother.
Multiple sclerosis, visual impairment
Works for Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind as an office assistant.
Learning disability
Earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Seattle University. Developed and sold two companies. Runs Fleming’s, a holiday lighting business. Married and living in West Seattle.
Studying computer forensics at Missouri Southern State University.
Blind
Earned a bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College and a master’s degree in technology management from City University of Seattle. Works as a senior systems analyst at Transaction Network Services. Married with children.
Health and mobility impairment
Graduated with computer information technology degree. Works as a court and medical interpreter.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Studying to be a Python/Django developer.
Visual impairment
Earned an associate’s degree in computer applications from Mt. Hood Community College and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Portland State University School of Business. Earned a career pathways certificate in Windows server administration from Portland Community College. Completed internship at Portland Jewish Academy. Currently pursuing an information technology job.
Blind
Earned a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology at the University of Washington. Was an artist, consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics, and black belt in Aikido when she died from cancer in June 2004. She received a DO-IT Trailblazer award the same year.
Cerebral palsy
Starting his own business selling assistive equipment for wheelchairs.
Dyslexia
Helps lead a team of developers for a multinational company in the education field. Writes software that helps teachers and students all around the world. Married with children in Tacoma.
Spina bifida, Homer’s syndrome, thalamic pain syndrome
Earned an associate’s degree from Wenatchee Valley College and has worked as a professional recording artist.
It is with sadness that we share the loss of our friend Vishal Saraiya, who passed away in January 2014, but celebrate his memory with joy. Vishal had been a part of the DO-IT family since 2004 when he first participated in the Scholars program.
Vishal was involved with a program called Northwest’s Child / Aaron’s Place, a place for children and teenagers with disabilities to go during the day for high quality educational, vocational, and social curricula. He made a large impact there, where he met and interacted with other students and staff. He also loved his time spent at Camp Promise every summer, where he connected with close friends. Camp Promise is a weeklong overnight camp for kids, teens, and adults with muscular dystrophy. Every year, without fail, Vishal would sing karaoke with fellow campers and volunteers. At his memorial service, attendees got to hear him sing “Ho, Hey” by the Lumineers from Camp Promise 2013.
Vishal was a huge sports fan, and was one of the honorary captains of the Seattle Storm for a day in July 2013.
Vishal will be remembered for so many qualities, but perhaps most of all for his genuine and caring attitude towards others. At his “celebration of life” at his local church, countless friends and family members talked about his character. Vishal always cared about others—about how their lives were going. Many of the people in Vishal’s life referred to him as “the professor” because of his ability to give wise advice and support to his loved ones.
Everyone at DO-IT will always cherish the time we got to spend with Vishal. Rest in peace, good friend.
If you would like to honor Vishal’s legacy by making a donation, please donate to Northwest’s Child (www.northwestchild.org) or Camp Promise (www.camppromise.org).
DO‑IT Pals are high school students with disabilities who are interested in attending college and pursuing a challenging career. They communicate online with each other and with DO‑IT Scholars, Ambassadors, Mentors, and staff members. They are supported in their efforts to explore and pursue postsecondary programs and career interests. The Internet is their door to the information and resources they need for success. DO‑IT Pals communicate with each other by sending email to doitpals@uw.edu. They reach the entire group of DO‑IT Pals, Scholars, Ambassadors, and Mentors by sending messages to doitchat@uw.edu. Become a DO-IT Pal by requesting an application from doit@uw.edu.
Mentors encourage DO‑IT Scholars, Ambassadors, and Pals as they pursue academic programs and careers. Most Mentors have disabilities themselves. They share valuable experiences, insights, and resources with younger participants. Mentors communicate with each other by sending messages to mentors@uw.edu. The entire group of Mentors, Pals, Scholars, and Ambassadors are reached by sending messages to doitchat@uw.edu.
Adanna Abakporo
University of Washington
Sean Barrett
Mobility impairment
Region manager
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Kevin Berg
Cerebral palsy
Nonprofit director
www.kevinberg.net
Anindya “Bapin” Bhattacharyya
Deaf/blind
Supervisor of technology department
Helen Keller National Center
Kim Borowicz
Disability rights lawyer
Access Living
Karen L. Braitmayer
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Architect, business owner
Karen Braitmayer, FAIA
Belinda Brandon
Blind
Retired research economist
Ben Brynildsen
Learning disability
Career advisor
Boeing
Gina Ceylan
Visual impairment
Ph.D. candidate
University of Missouri
Wendy Chisholm
Senior accessibility strategist
Microsoft
Rebecca Cory
Learning disability
Faculty program coordinator
City University
Frank Cuta
Blind
Electrical engineer
Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs
Don Daughtry
Visual impairment
Assistant professor
University of North Dakota
Jennifer Diedrich
Student
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Imke Durre
Blind
Climatologist
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center
Samantha Estrada
Physical disability
Student of applied mathematics and
psychology
University of Texas at El Paso
Cheryl Field
Occupational therapist
Mukilteo School District
Kathryn Finton
Myasthenia gravis
Ph.D. candidate, biomolecuar structure and design
University of Washington
John Gardner
Blind
President and CEO
ViewPlus Technologies
Kajari Ghosh Dastidar
Ph.D. candidate, computer science
University of Iowa
John Goettle
Marni Goldman
Spinal muscular atrophy
Education director for science research
Stanford University
Julie Grant
Paraplegic, L2 spinal cord injury
University of Washington
Steve Harper
Cerebral palsy
Student and web developer
Roger Harris
Stroke, kidney failure
Associate professor emeritus, retired
University of Washington, School of Medicine
Morgan Hiraiwa
Mamoru Iwabuchi
Associate professor
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology
University of Tokyo
Sungeeta Jain
Paraplegic
Director
The Orphan Project, India
Joshua Lessing
Ph.D. candidate, physical chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sara Lopez
Program administrator and lecturer
University of Washington, Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership Program
Robert F. McKellar
Spina bifida
Author of An Accident of Birth, educator, and counselor
Theresa Mina
Learning disability
Graduate student
Stephanie Moore
Project scientist
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northwest Fisheries Science Center
Jennifer Mundl
C1-ventilator dependent, quadriplegia
Assistive technology specialist
Courage Center Rehabilitation Facility
Monica Olsson
Cerebral palsy
Outreach and access advocate
Reel Grrls
Bruce Parks
Hearing impairment
School improvement coordinator
Vermont Department of Education
Tracy Peterson
Mobility impairment
Computer science, Spanish major
Southwest State University
Gay Lloyd Pinder
Deaf
Program director and speech sanguage pathologist
Children’s Therapy Center
Ed Pottharst
Deaf
Neighborhood district coordinator
City of Seattle, Department of Neighborhoods
Tracy Rackensperger
Cerebral palsy
Research and Information Coordinator
University of Georgia
Charity Ranger
Friedreich’s ataxia
Independent Living Program staff
Alliance of People with disAbilities
Sally Richards
Workforce specialist, disability program
Northwest Employment and Training Center
Michael Richardson
Deaf
Co-director and technical assistance lead Northwest Americans with Disabilities Act Center
Andrew Riggle
Cerebral palsy
Graduate student
Keith Routley
Deaf
Park ranger
Marcia Sipe-Dan
PTSD and brain damage
Master’s candidate, rehabilitation counseling
Western Washington University
Greg Smith
C-5 quadriplegia
Software design engineer
Microsoft
Carole Snyder
Cerebral palsy
Software developer engineer
Keith Stegbauer
Bioengineer
University of Washington
Vicki Stemper Allen
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator
Val Sundby-Thorp
Associate dean
Clover Park Technical College
Aimee Verrall
Research coordinator
Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center
University of Washington
Jennifer Weisbart-Moreno
Ph.D. candidate
Claremont Graduate University
Vasanth Williams
Software engineer
Paul Zaveruha
Surgeon
My name is Sheryl Burgstahler, and I am the founder and director of the DO‑IT and Access Technology Centers at the University of Washington (UW). I am also an affiliate professor in the College of Education. I have a master’s degree in mathematics and a Ph.D. in policy, governance, and administration of higher education. DO-IT allows me to apply my personal, academic, and professional interests and experiences. I have a husband, Dave, and a son, Travis, who are both dedicated DO‑IT volunteers and UW Huskies. Dave is a professor of accounting and Travis recently graduated from the UW with a double major in accounting and management information systems, and a minor in mathematics and is now employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Seattle. The ‘93 Scholars remember Travis hanging around DO-IT Summer Study when he was three years old.
sherylb@uw.edu
I’m Scott Bellman. I am the program manager at DO-IT. I completed a master’s degree in 1996 in rehabilitation counseling and earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and business. I am currently a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State. I enjoy my work at DO-IT, which includes career counseling, writing, planning events, coordinating projects, supervising others, mentoring, and of course Summer Study! I serve on several boards and committees, including the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment. I learn a lot from my colleagues, and have co-authored several papers about work-based learning. Outside of work, my interests include performance art, camping, hiking, carpentry, and travel.
swb3@uw.edu
My name is Brianna Blaser, and I am a counselor/coordinator at the DO-IT Center. Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Seattle to attend graduate school at the University of Washington, where I earned my Ph.D. studying women in science. I like to spend my free time practicing yoga and riding my bike.
blaser@uw.edu
Hello! My name is Kayla Brown, and I am a counselor/coordinator at DO‑IT. I graduated from UW Bothell with a bachelor of arts in community psychology. My passion is community outreach, research, and disability activism. At DO-IT, I work one-on-one with students to tackle goal setting, academic planning, and building a support system. My hobbies include reading, watching the Food Network, crafting, and playing board games.
kayladb@uw.edu
I’m Dan Comden. I manage the UW’s Access Technology Center (ATC) at the University of Washington. At the ATC we work directly with students, faculty, and staff with disabilities who need to access computing resources, and we also help web and application developers make exciting and accessible online resources. I’ve been working with DO-IT since it began.
danc@uw.edu
My name is Lyla Crawford. I am a counselor/coordinator for DO‑IT. I work in the Spokane office. I have a master’s degree in developmental psychology. I have a husband, Shawn, and a son, Joshua.
lylac@uw.edu
My name is Marvin Crippen. I help with technical support and web design for DO‑IT. In my free time I enjoy biking, skiing, cooking, and TSD Road Rallying.
mcrip@uw.edu
My name is Doug Hayman. I’m the technology specialist for DO‑IT. When not at work, I play guitar, hike, and hang out with friends.
dhayman@uw.edu
My name is Terrill Thompson. I am the technology accessibility specialist for DO‑IT. In this position I help to educate K–12 and postsecondary educational institutions, technology vendors, government agencies, and others on how to ensure that technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities. I also teach accessible web design to students through our ongoing series of Web Accessibility Trainings. I live in Bellingham and work most of the time from an office at Western Washington University. When I am not working, you can usually find me hiking in the mountains, playing guitar, or spending quality time with my family.
tft@uw.edu
Hi! My name is Tami Tidwell. I am a counselor/coordinator for DO‑IT. I enjoy working closely with DO‑IT Scholars during Summer Study and beyond. Throughout the year, it is fun to get to work with high school and college students on topics like college admissions, scholarships, internships, accommodations, and disclosure strategies. Being able to build long and lasting relationships is one of the best parts of working at DO-IT. Outside of work, I like to sew, knit, garden, support our local live music, and spend time with my family and friends. Our new adventure in our garden this year is raising honey bees. I have my degree in psychology from Texas Christian University. I was born and raised in Cowtown (aka Ft. Worth, TX).
tamitha@uw.edu
My name is Debra Zawada. I have worked as program coordinator at DO-IT since 2004. I completed my undergraduate work in special education in Buffalo, NY and my graduate work at the UW. My background is as a high school teacher and transition counselor with students with disabilities.
dzawada@uw.edu
DO‑IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) serves to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs such as those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Primary funding for DO‑IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education. The University of Washington also contributes substantial resources to this project.
Additional grants and gifts have been received from The Boeing Company; Bristol-Myers Squibb; The Dole Foundation, Telecommunications Funding Partnership; The Institute for Human Centered Design; Dynamac Corporation; Eisenhower Professional Development Program, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; Jeld-Wen Foundation; Microsoft Corporation; Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); NEC Foundation of America; Samuel S. Johnson Foundation; The Seattle Foundation; U.S. Department of Labor; and Visio Corporation.
DO‑IT has partnered with more than fifty postsecondary institutions. It has also received donations or gifts in-kind from many other corporations and individuals, they include 3Com Corporation; American Computer Experience; AOL Foundation; Apple Computer; Ashland Kiwanis Club; Boxlight Corporation; The Braitmayer Foundation; Cascade Sign Company; Compaq; ComputerGear Inc.; Connectix Hooker Northwest; Courage Center; Digital Vision; DTP Micro Systems; Ephrata School District; Fessenden Booster Club, North Dakota; Ford Motor Company; Honda; Honeywell International Foundation, Inc.; Institute for Science, Engineering and Public Policy; Intel Corporation; Klickitat County Retired Teachers Unit 10; Macrostaff; Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.; Nike, Inc.; Nintendo of America, Inc.; Northwest Fisheries Science Center; Olathe East High School; Olathe East National Honor Society; Outdoors for All; P. Roger Hillerstrom, Inc.; Pacific Science Center; Poquoson High School Key Club; PTI Communications; Sun Microsystems; Sundog; University Book Store; University of Colorado at Boulder; US West; US West Foundation; Washington Department of Services for the Blind; and Whatcom Community College.
Additional partners who have offered internships for participants, hosted training and events, and otherwise engaged with DO-IT include dozens of primary and secondary schools as well as Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Society; Access Technologists Higher Education Network (ATHEN); Advancing Robotics Technology for Societal Impact; Alaska Department of Fish & Game; Alaska Museum of Natural History; Alaska/Idaho/Oregon/Washington Science Teachers Associations (ASTA/ISTA/OSTA/WSTA); Allying Companies, Communities, and Employees with Skills for Success (ACCESS); Amazon.com; American Red Cross; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Anita Borg Institute; Association for Computing Machinery; Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Accessible Computing (ACM SIGACCESS); Association for Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD); Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE); Auburn University; Auburn State University; Aultman Hospital; Bellevue Boys & Girls Club; Bellevue College; Berea College; Cascades Volcano Observatory; Camp Courage; Caribbean Computing Center for Excellence; Carnegie Mellon University; Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in Information Technology; Children’s Hospital; Challenger Learning Center; City of Bremerton; City of Seattle; City University of New York; Clemson University; Clover Park Community College; Coldwell Banker; Commonwealth Alliance for Information Technology Education; Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions; Computing Research Association; Computer Science Teachers Association; Cornell University; Deaf-Blind Service Center; Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs); Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) activity hosts; Disability Support Service Council (DSSC); Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; East Alliance for Students with Disabilities in STEM; Easter Seals Washington; Emerald City Rotary Club; Empowering Leadership Alliance; Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Florida State University; Gallaudet University; Georgia Computes! Alliance; Georgia Tech; Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment; Hart Computer Technology; High School - High Tech; Highline School District – Secondary Special Education; Idaho Assistive Technology Program (IATP); Idaho National Labratory; Idaho Council for Exceptional Children (ICEC); Impact Studios; Incight; Independent Living Centers; InterConnections; Into the Loop; Invision Learning; Kindering Center; Lane County Women, Infants, & Children Center; Landmark College; Leonardo Museum; Life Sciences Education Achievement Partnership (LEAP); Manatee Community College; Math and Engineering Science Achievement (MESA); Medtronic; Midwest RDE Alliance; Minorities in Science and Engineering Program (MSEP); Missouri Southern State University; National Center for Secondary Education and Transition; National Center for the Study of Postsecondary Educational Support, University of Hawaii; National Center for Women & Information Technology; National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; National Girls Collaborative Project; National Parks System; National Technical Institute for the Deaf; National Weather Service; New Mexico State University; Nordstrom; North Carolina State University; North Star Borough Library; Northwest Engineering Talent Expansion Partnership (ETEP); Northwest Girls Cooperative; Northwind, Inc.; Ocean House Alliance; One-stop Resource Centers; organizations from Japan, Korea, and India; Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER); Pediatric Critical Care program of Seattle Children’s; Portland State University; Port of Seattle; Positive Solutions; Pride Polymers; Providence Medical Center; Puget Sound ESD Transition Specialist Group; Quality of Life Center, South Korea; Raven Software; Reaching the Pinnacle; Reel Grrls; Renton Public Library; Renton School District, Life Management Program, Secondary Special Education; RDE Regional Alliances for Persons with Disabilities (RADs); Rochester Institute of Technology; Rose International Fund; Seatac Airport; Seattle Biomed; Seattle University; Seattle School District – Transition/Secondary Special Education; Seoul National University; Sheldon-Jackson College; Sierra Club Washington; Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville; Starbucks Coffee; The STARS Alliance; Tethers Unlimited; Touch the Future, Inc.; Towson University; University of Alaska; University of Idaho; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Pittsburgh; University of Rochester; University of South Carolina; University of Tokyo; UW Genomics Outreach for Minorities (GenOM) Project; Virtual Alliance for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in STEM; Washington Access Services; Washington Assistive Technology Alliance; Washington Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (WAPED); Washington Library Network; Washington PAVE – Project CORE; Washington School Information Processing Cooperative’s WEDNET; Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN); Washington State University; Women in Science and Engineering (WISE); and Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP); and Xerox.
DO‑IT
University of Washington
Box 354842
Seattle, WA 98195-4842
doit@uw.edu
www.uw.edu/doit
206-221-4171 (FAX)
206-685-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
888-972-DOIT (3648) (toll free voice/TTY)
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You can also make a donation online at www.uw.edu/giving/make-a-gift/?page=make&code=DOITFD
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Donations to DO‑IT support and extend DO‑IT activities, including sponsoring Scholars from states outside of Washington, special events, work-based learning experiences, participant attendant or travel costs, refreshments for program participants, and creation and distribution of educational videos and publications. Your gift is tax-deductible as specified in IRS regulations. Pursuant to RCW 19.09, the University of Washington is registered as a charitable organization with the Secretary of State, State of Washington. For more information, call the Office of the Secretary of State, 1-800-332-4483.