Summary
Meet Maddy, a Student Fellow driving disability research and advocacy at the National Disability Center.
Maddy O’Grady’s commitment to disability research and advocacy is evident in her work as a Student Fellow at the National Disability Center for Student Success. Her contributions to critical projects reflect her passion for improving accessibility and fostering inclusive education.
As a new student fellow, Maddy is:
- Collaborating on a literature review to inform the Center’s research initiatives.
- Exploring motivation theories for students with disabilities to uncover gaps in existing frameworks.
- A Member of the Learning And Motivational Beliefs Lab at UT Austin
Maddy’s previous achievements include being awarded the National Institute of Health Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health Related Fields Award. She also published the paper Attending to Motivation During Vocabulary Interventions for Students With or at Risk for Learning Disabilities: A Review of the Literature.
A Journey of Advocacy and Leadership
Maddy’s path to the National Disability Center began with a desire to create systemic change for students with disabilities. Starting her academic journey at Appalachian State University as a special education major, she realized she could make a broader impact through research. After switching to psychology, she interned with the nonprofit organization Life Village, helping disabled students with housing and independent living—an experience that solidified her dedication to the field.
“I wanted to make a bigger difference than working in just one classroom,” Maddy shared. This drive led her to UT Austin, where she joined the Center’s Executive Director, Stephanie W. Cawthon, PhD, in her lab and began contributing to the Center’s impactful work.
Growing up with a brother with autism, Maddy’s connection to disability advocacy is personal. “I always knew I’d find my way into this field,” she said.
Her work at the Center provides her with opportunities to translate her passion into meaningful change.
Impactful Contributions
Maddy’s dedication to accessibility and equity is evident in her research focus. She is particularly interested in examining motivation theories for students with disabilities, an area with limited existing research.
“Many theories were tested with students without disabilities,” Maddy explained. “I’m curious how they hold up and if they can be adapted to better support students with disabilities.”
As part of her work as a Student Fellow, Maddy is helping to develop a faculty accessibility survey and aims to integrate the Center’s findings into her dissertation. She is also proud to promote the Center’s public-facing work, which she describes as “a unique and impactful opportunity to share research with broader audiences.”
Personal Insights on Disability Advocacy
“Advocacy is about creating actionable change,” Maddy shared.
Her work highlights the importance of adapting existing frameworks to meet the needs of disabled students. She is excited to contribute to initiatives that prioritize real-world impact and collaboration.
Maddy’s experiences have also shaped her perspective on non-apparent disabilities. Growing up with her brother and working directly with disabled students has deepened her understanding of the barriers they face.
Looking to the Future
Maddy envisions a future where the Center’s research not only informs policies but also drives meaningful practices that benefit disabled students nationwide.
“The Center’s work has the power to bridge gaps in research and create lasting change,” she said, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
She also appreciates how the Center’s focus on accessibility extends to its public-facing efforts. “It’s public-facing, and nothing else I do is really so accessible,” Maddy noted.
This vision comes to life as Maddy prepares for a key milestone: presenting at AERA 2025 in Denver. She will co-present the session Access for All? Including the Student Perspective in Measures of Campus Accessibility alongside fellow researchers Desirée Lama, Ryan A. Mata, MA, Lily Alvarez, and Stephanie W. Cawthon, PhD, underscoring the Center’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices in accessibility research.
Mentorship and New Beginnings
As a new member of the National Disability Center, Maddy has found immense value in the mentorship and collaboration opportunities it offers. Working closely with her mentor and Faculty Cadre member Maura Borrego, PhD, she feels supported in exploring new areas of research and developing her skills.
“Having a mentor who truly understands my interests has been transformative,” Maddy shared. “The guidance I’ve received has helped me navigate challenges and grow both personally and professionally.”
The Center’s innovative mentorship model has been instrumental in Maddy’s experience, offering personalized guidance and opportunities to engage in hands-on research and leadership activities.
“What really attracted me was the opportunity to have a mentor outside my department,” Maddy explained. “It’s been incredible to gain such diverse perspectives and experiences.”
Maddy’s journey at the Center exemplifies the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and dedication in driving meaningful change for students with disabilities.
