Peace Law Firm Announces the Winner of the Disability Rights Advocacy Scholarship
Peace Law Firm is proud to announce the winner of our 2024 Disability Rights Advocacy Scholarship, Clarissa Siebern. This $1,500 scholarship, which is open to both undergraduate and graduate students attending the spring/fall 2024 semester, aims to support individuals who are committed to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. The scholarship funds, which can be used for school-related expenses, will be distributed directly to the winner’s school.
About the Scholarship Winner: Clarissa Siebern
Clarissa Siebern has dedicated nearly 30 years of her life to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, especially in special education and accessibility. Her work is deeply personal, driven by her experiences as a parent to a child with cerebral palsy who faces challenges related to deafness, speech impairments, and mobility limitations. These experiences have fueled her passion for fostering inclusive environments and improving access to education and support services through universal design principles.
With a BA in Philosophy and ethics and a BA in Global Media, Clarissa has a robust foundation in the economic, ethical, legal, political, and social aspects of disability rights. This knowledge informs her advocacy and research, making her a powerful voice for change. She has been a vocal proponent of policy changes that ensure fair and inclusive services for individuals with hearing impairments and deafness and has championed using assistive technologies to provide equal educational access for all students.
Clarissa is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Mild Moderate Disabilities at the University of Arizona. Her passion lies at the intersection of technology and accessibility, particularly in exploring innovative solutions like eye gaze retina systems (Eye Tech). These technologies enhance communication and interaction for individuals with multisensory disabilities, ultimately improving educational access and opportunities in higher education.
Clarissa’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her professional endeavors. Her son, Jake, who is now a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying Law, is a testament to her belief that "a person with a disability can be anything they want to be." With the help of his Eye Tech computer, Jake embodies the idea that a disability is not an endpoint but rather a starting point for accessing a future of opportunities.
Reflecting on Advocacy and Change
As part of the scholarship application, candidates were asked to reflect on a quote by Robert M. Hensel, a renowned disability rights advocate, and craft an essay on how one person can create change through advocacy. Clarissa’s lifelong dedication to this cause exemplifies the power of individual effort in creating meaningful change. Her work in advancing legislative measures, promoting inclusive education, and supporting the use of assistive technologies is a shining example of how advocacy can transform lives and pave the way for a more inclusive society.
We at Peace Law Firm are honored to support Clarissa in her continued journey of advocacy and education. Her work serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that through dedication and passion, one person truly can make a difference in the lives of many.
Conclusion
Congratulations to Clarissa Siebern for being selected as the recipient of the 2024 Disability Rights Advocacy Scholarship. We look forward to seeing the impact of her continued advocacy and the positive change she will undoubtedly bring to the world.
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