Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows

The Student Accessibility Support Fellows are in place to support their peers in their adjustment to college life, both academically and socially. SAS Fellows are students who are registered with SAS and who have shown success and personal growth during their time at Brandeis University. During office hours, SAS Fellows help to create a welcoming, stigma-free campus community that promotes disability awareness so that all students have an opportunity to flourish and embrace their differences.

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Who are the Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows?

Anna Cass

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2021

Intended field of study: Health: Science, Society and Policy; Social Justice, Social Policy; Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation

Do you have any advice for your peers with varying conditions to be successful in college?

You deserve to be here. Asking for help is a sign of strength, it shows that you know yourself. Self-advocacy can be tough, but forming connections and clarifying your needs can be essential to navigating difficulties. If you're nervous or want to puzzle through something, stop by my office hours and we can brainstorm, draft, or even practice!

Fun Fact: The "Leaf Sheep", my favorite animal as of late, is one of the only animals that can photosynthesize.

Lizzy Topper

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2021

Intended field of study: Sociology major with a double minor in Education Studies and Sculpture

Why do you feel self-advocacy is important?

Self-advocacy is really important because it not only helps your professors understand more about your needs, but it also can help you feel more confident in yourself when you can express your own needs. With that said, ask for help when you need it and use the support systems that are provided to you. Whether you come to SAS, create study groups or go to your professors’ offices hours use the resources you have!

Fun Fact: Dyslexic people can have better than average peripheral vision.

Sarah Lavin

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2021

Intended field of study: I am double majoring in Studio Art and Psychology!

Why do you feel self-advocacy is important?

Self advocacy is one of the greatest skills college can help you develop. Gaining the ability to feel comfortable standing up for your needs and rights is so important, especially for those of us with disabilities that others might not acknowledge or understand. Your needs are important, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Fun Fact: I’m obsessed with my golden retriever Libby!

Jonathan Kelly

Pronouns: He/him/his

Class of 2023

Intended field of study: International and Global Studies

Why do you feel self-advocacy is important?

Self-advocacy is vital because there is ultimately no one that values your own interests as much as you do. I think letting certain things slide for the sake of convenience or courtesy is engrained in a lot of us, and ultimately your needs aren't worth being ignored in the long run. Ultimately, one moment's anxiety about advocating for yourself will make a sustained difference in the future.

Fun Fact: I am double jointed!

Rebekah Kristal

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2023

Intended field of study: Majors in Applied Mathematics and History, Minor in Chemistry

Do you have any advice for your peers with varying conditions to be successful in college?

Seek out your school's built-in support systems--early on if you can--even if it's just to ask a question. Whether your situation seems too trivial or too overwhelming or anything in between, there are people whose answers will be able to help you. Reaching out can include emailing a professor, meeting with an advisor, contacting health services, contacting accessibility services, and many more options.

Fun fact: My favorite hobby is cooking with my little sister.

Would I benefit from meeting with a SAS Fellow?

Students who identify as having a disability(ies) and are struggling with the transition to higher education, may benefit from meeting with the SAS Fellows. In meeting with someone who has been in a similar position, students will be able to relate and seek meaningful guidance.

Fellows are available to advise students on many different topics including but not limited to; campus resources, accommodation letter discussions with faculty, time management skills, using the Accessible Transport Van, importance of campus involvement, and navigating the dining halls, and more.

How do I meet with a SAS Fellow?

When are the SAS Fellows office hours?

The SAS Fellows office hours are held when classes are in session, during the Fall and Spring semester.

Individual Fellows schedules are as follows:

Lizzy: Tuesdays 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Thursdays 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Rebekah: Mondays 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Anna: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sarah: Thursdays 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Jonathan: Fridays 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

You can meet with an SAS Fellow in their office hours. During the Fall 2020 semester, the SAS Fellows will be holding their office hours virtually through Zoom.

To access the Fellows Office hours; please use this link: SAS Fellows Office Hour Meeting Room

Is there a way I can email the SAS Fellows?

Yes you can! The SAS Fellows email is SASFellows@brandeis.edu. The Fellows will answer your emails during their office hours in the order they were received. If a SAS Fellow cannot answer your email, they will consult a SAS staff member who will contact the student directly.

If your email requires an immediate response, please contact Student Accessibility Support by email or by calling the Academic Services main phone line at 781-736-3470 to speak with a SAS staff member.