Advocacy isn’t always loud or complicated. Sometimes it starts with noticing a barrier and deciding to do something about it. One of our graduate students, Abby Gottesman, recognized that the primary door used by our clients did not have an automatic opener. Understanding how this impacted accessibility, she didn’t wait for someone else to step in. Abby independently worked with university personnel to advocate for change, and because of her efforts, an automatic door opener has now been installed.
This is a powerful reminder that meaningful advocacy can begin with awareness, persistence, and a commitment to inclusion. We are incredibly proud of Abby for using her voice to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. Thank you, Abby, for showing what student advocacy looks like in action.