Transitions: College & Employment for People with Disabilities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Annie Tulkin, Founder and Director of Accessible College and Sheri Denkensohn-Trott, Co-Founder of Happy on Wheels, discussed their top 5 tips for students with disabilities who are entering college and the workforce.

Bios:

Sheri Denkensohn-Trott: I am a quadriplegic who has been injured for over 35 years; I sustained a spinal cord injury at age 16 in a diving accident. Prior to that, I was extremely athletic, a lifeguard, and a swimmer. After my injury, I went through an extended period of rehabilitation two hours away from my home in Upstate New York. I returned to my rural hometown of Accord, NY, and graduated high school at the top of my class, college magna cum laude (University at Albany, where I currently serve on the Rockefeller College Advisory Board) and then law school. I was a practicing attorney, serving in high-level positions for 25 years with the Federal government until my retirement in 2016. I live in Arlington, VA, and despite thinking I would be single forever, have been happily married for over 14 years. I have had many ups and downs in life related to my health, but I have learned how to overcome challenges and develop a mindset to be “Happy on Wheels.” In late 2009, I had surgery on 2 chronic wounds, and because of complications I became seriously ill and almost died. I left the hospital with a trach and never thought I’d be able to return to work, but I did and worked for nearly seven more years. The people around me – husband, family, friends, work colleagues and health care assistants – were the key motivating factors in my recovery. As if that wasn’t enough, in July of 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a right mastectomy. That challenge has made me passionate about speaking out about breast cancer, specifically, accessible mammography for women with disabilities. I’m now in my early 50’s and through my personal and professional experience, I want to share how I have overcome obstacles and challenges to inspire others, regardless of age or disability, to live happier lives. Happy on Wheels has opened many doors. I am a contributing writer to New Mobility Magazine and a guest blogger for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I am an avid storyteller, winning a GrandSLAM for The Moth. Tony and I have spoken to over 3000 young people of all ages, starting from pre-k all the way through grad school. We have a significant presence on social media and reach others through our compelling videos, blogs, and monthly newsletter. I am a mentor to college students and those applying to college and grad school. We continue to promote our vision each day through speaking, writing, mentoring, and consulting. Website: www.happyonwheels.com Email: sheri@happyonwheels.com Phone: 703-525-1046

Annie Tulkin: Annie Tulkin is the Founder and Director of Accessible College, as well as an author and public speaker. She is an expert in the area of college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions, and she supports students and families across the country. Annie was the Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University for nearly 6 years. In that position she supported undergraduate, graduate, and medical students with physical disabilities and health conditions and oversaw academic support services for the entire student body. Annie has worked in the field of disability for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University, a Masters in Special Education from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Certificate in Health Coaching from Georgetown University. Annie was a Peace Corps Volunteer (Mongolia, ‘03-’05) and a Fulbright Fellow (Mongolia, ‘07-’08). She resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and daughter.

Website: www.accessiblecollege.com Email: Info@accessiblecollege.com Phone: (240) 343-4304‬

Links:

1. Workforce Recruitment Program: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/employers/workforce-recruitment-program

2. Job Accommodation Network: https://askjan.org/

3. Lime Connect: https://www.limeconnect.com/

4. Navigating and Transitioning to College with Paralysis: https://s3.amazonaws.com/reeve-assets-production/Navigating-and-Transitioning-to-College-with-Paralysis.pdf

5. Reeve Foundation and Accessible College Project: https://s3.amazonaws.com/reeve-assets-production/Navigating-and-Transitioning-to-College-with-Paralysis.pdf