This past week, I started contributing directly to work that aims to deinstitutionalize and reintegrate a teen with a disability. This work requires personalized care, empathy, and perceptiveness- many of the core values of leadership taught by the Laidlaw Foundation. I've noticed the ways in which ableism is present at the root of society's structures. Legal analysis allows us to recognize these disparities. My experience researching policy and laws surrounding ableism has been very United States-centric, specifically Texas, given that is where I observed ableism surrounding my older brother; I am grateful that my LiA has allowed me to expand the geographical range of disability advocacy.
Washington, D.C., has remained a great experience for my LiA. I've met people working at a range of nonprofits and learned what inspires their advocacy. My exploration of museums has continued. This past week I visited the Renwick Gallery and its Texas exhibition, and I revisited the National Portrait Gallery (if you ever go to DC, plan to visit this museum twice or allow at least 4 hours for browsing).
I am a rising Junior, pre-law student at Barnard College, Columbia University intending to major in History and minor in Philosophy . My academic interests are civil rights law, ethics, intellectual history, education policy, and disability studies. As a Laidlaw scholar I draw from my academic interests and personal experiences to conduct research on the use of restraint and seclusion in special education. I am eager to use my research experience and education in my future law career to further social equality. For my LiA I am working at Disability Rights International
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