Graduate School & Assistive Tech
Donation protected
Hey there. My name is Sara. I'm a multiply Disabled middle-aged woman. I carry a laundry list of invisible Disablities with me every day. The past few years I've started doing Disability activism on a large, varied and very intentional scale. This past spring I did my first large scale civil disobedience in DC.
About 15 months ago I found out about a very competative co-program called LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Program between UMass and Suffolk University. It's a multi-layered program that was hoping to open up to self-advocates this year; so I was encouraged to apply.
Since I live in a state, MA, with the greatest number of colleges and universities per capita in the entire world (this is not hyperbole), a BA here is the eqivelent of a High School diploma anywhere else in the country. I want to shake up the way Disability and the way we Disabled are viewed and devalued in these United States. I want us to be included and to have input at all levals of the decigions made about us. In my particular state, having graduate level letters or higher after your name means people actually take notice of what you say.
The LEND Program has a Masters element within it. In order to be listened to, to not be ignored when I try to alter the world, I need $10, 500 for the 3 classes not already funded through the stipend and the scholarship that came with my acceptence to LEND. Earning a
Master in Public Administration (MPA) in Disability & Health Policy will really help me help others. I have learned a lot of practical skills in my lived experience. Earning this Masters will add sorely needed theoretical and sytems knowledge to my toolbox.
I will not need this sum until June 2017. I am asking for 12K because Go Fund Me has fees from the amount and I need some Assistive Technology as well; which is very difficult to get externally funded as an Adult. I will also be seeking other scholarships and will lower this amount should I qualify/receive any.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
If a large number of folks give small amounts, you could all literally change my life and the lives of those I go on to help as well.
CV upon request.
12/24/2016 I have just gone through the first semester of LEND and of the Suffolk MPA program. I have just received my first grade. An A. All indications are that my other grades will be in the B range.
About 15 months ago I found out about a very competative co-program called LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Program between UMass and Suffolk University. It's a multi-layered program that was hoping to open up to self-advocates this year; so I was encouraged to apply.
Since I live in a state, MA, with the greatest number of colleges and universities per capita in the entire world (this is not hyperbole), a BA here is the eqivelent of a High School diploma anywhere else in the country. I want to shake up the way Disability and the way we Disabled are viewed and devalued in these United States. I want us to be included and to have input at all levals of the decigions made about us. In my particular state, having graduate level letters or higher after your name means people actually take notice of what you say.
The LEND Program has a Masters element within it. In order to be listened to, to not be ignored when I try to alter the world, I need $10, 500 for the 3 classes not already funded through the stipend and the scholarship that came with my acceptence to LEND. Earning a
Master in Public Administration (MPA) in Disability & Health Policy will really help me help others. I have learned a lot of practical skills in my lived experience. Earning this Masters will add sorely needed theoretical and sytems knowledge to my toolbox.
I will not need this sum until June 2017. I am asking for 12K because Go Fund Me has fees from the amount and I need some Assistive Technology as well; which is very difficult to get externally funded as an Adult. I will also be seeking other scholarships and will lower this amount should I qualify/receive any.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
If a large number of folks give small amounts, you could all literally change my life and the lives of those I go on to help as well.
CV upon request.
12/24/2016 I have just gone through the first semester of LEND and of the Suffolk MPA program. I have just received my first grade. An A. All indications are that my other grades will be in the B range.
Organizer
Sara Willig
Organizer
Cambridge, MA