Summary
Soren, a Student Fellow at the National Disability Center, is creating resources for disabled students, driving meaningful conversations, and continuing to improve accessibility through her work at the center.
Soren’s dedication to disability research and advocacy shines through her work as a Student Fellow at the National Disability Center for Student Success. She is making significant contributions to key projects that reflect her passion for fostering inclusive education and accessibility.
Soren is:
- Collaborating with Faculty Cadre member, Jen Moon, PhD, to create a resource sheet for students seeking guidance on navigating the Center’s research-focused mission.
- Conducting literature reviews to explore new areas of research and inform the Center’s projects.
- Asking critical questions in collaborative settings to drive meaningful conversations and deepen research insights.
- Advocating for testing accommodations and accessibility improvements at her university.
A Journey of Advocacy and Leadership
Soren’s path to the National Disability Center began through her connection with Katie Tackett, PhD, a faculty partner in the Collaborative for Access and Equity. Encouraged by Tackett to apply, Soren joined the Center and began working alongside Stephanie W. Cawthon, PhD, whose mentorship has been instrumental in her growth.
As a humanities major in the honors program at the College of Liberal Arts, Soren designed her own major focused on how the internet influences identity formation. Her academic interests have since expanded to include personhood, human behavior, and institutional impact.
Complementing her major, Soren has a minor in critical disability studies and developed a humanities contract titled “Normalcy, Identity, and the Internet.”
Impactful Contributions
Soren’s ability to think critically and engage in meaningful dialogue has made her an invaluable member of the Center’s team. She is particularly proud of her role as the inaugural undergraduate fellow, where she gained the opportunity to work alongside faculty and graduate students.
“Working with the Center has taught me so much about research and collaboration,” she shares. “I’ve learned how to contribute effectively, even as the youngest person in the room.”
Her dedication to accessibility is evident in her advocacy efforts. Recently, she ensured her university provided appropriate testing accommodations, demonstrating her commitment to creating equitable environments for all students.
Personal Insights on Neurodiversity and Non-Apparent Disabilities
“Advocacy is half the battle,” she explains. “I had to learn to communicate exceptionally well to navigate situations on my own.”
Yet, invisibility presents unique challenges. Soren recalls a professor dismissed her request for an extension related to an ‘invisible’ disability but became flexible after a visibly apparent accident.
“What’s the difference? The fact that an accident is obviously physical, whereas my other needs aren’t?“
Soren’s advocacy also extends to improving higher education. She believes hybrid course options are essential, sharing that a balance of in-person and online classes works best for her.
“Four in-person classes overwhelm me, but four online classes bore me,” she says.
She also calls for more collaboration between faculty and students.
“Hierarchies are useful for role modeling, but professors can learn a lot from students, especially since they’re far removed from the undergraduate experience,” she said.
“Access is about participation,” Soren emphasizes.
Her work champions hybrid learning, strengths-based education, and inclusive systems that address the unique needs of students with non-apparent disabilities. By fostering mutual respect and collaboration, Soren hopes to create equitable opportunities where all students can thrive.
Looking to the Future
Soren envisions the Center’s work continuing to improve accessibility in higher education.
“The Center’s research helps us understand what’s working and what needs to change,” she says. “It’s about expanding opportunities and creating pathways for everyone to succeed.”
At AERA 2025 in Denver, Soren will present her research at the world’s largest gathering of education researchers. Their presentation is:
- Access for All? Including the Student Perspective in Measures of Campus Accessibility | co-presented by Desirée Lama, Ryan A. Mata, MA, Lily Alvarez, Madeline O’Grady and Stephanie W. Cawthon, PhD.
For students interested in disability advocacy, Soren encourages them to “start small, dream big, and create opportunities for themselves. Advocacy looks a billion different ways.”
