Student Accessibility Support

Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows

The Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows support their peers in their adjustment to college life, both academically and socially. SAS Fellows are current Brandeis University undergraduate students who have had experience effectively navigating campus resources.

The SAS Fellows Program works to create a welcoming, stigma-free environment that promotes disability awareness so that all students have an opportunity to flourish and embrace differences. Students who identify as having a disability(ies)/condition(s) may benefit from meeting with a SAS Fellow. By having a conversation with someone who has been in a similar position, students will be able to relate and seek meaningful guidance.

Additionally, SAS Fellows help with student engagement efforts, hold assignment accountability hours and disability-specific affinity groups, collaborate with student groups, and perform alternative text services for the office.

Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows

Alexander Cheetham
Alexander Cheetham ’24
Pronouns: He, him, his and they, them, theirs

Intended field of study: Sociology and anthropology

What is one thing you would like to say to other students with disabilities who are navigating higher education? Remember that it is not your job to educate anyone else on your, or any other, disabilities if you do not have the desire and/or capacity to do so. You're here to learn, and you have every right to do that without expending emotional labor to teach about yourself if you don't feel called to do so.

Fun fact: I'm a pyrographer!

Riley Mayberry
Riley Mayberry ’25 (*Study Abroad for the Spring 2024 semester)
Pronouns: She, her, hers

Intended field of study: Biology and health, science, sociology and policy (HSSP); minor in chemistry (pre-med track)

If you could go back to yourself in your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell myself to live in the moment more. I spent so much time preparing for the next few years and not enough time enjoying the time I was spending with the amazing people around me. 

Fun fact: I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa when I was 14, and I started my own business when I was 16. 

Elana Regan
Elana Regan ’25
Pronouns: She, her, hers

Intended field of study: Politics; minor in legal studies

If you could go back to your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell myself not to be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is an accessibility issue, a hard class or any other struggle, there are tons of resources available to support students (like SAS, BUGS tutors, the writing center, etc.). These resources are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to use them.

Fun fact: I play a sport for the blind called Beep Baseball.

A headshot of Christina. A female with dark hair wearing a pink printed jacket and pink headband.
Christina Waring '26
Pronouns: She, her, hers

Intended Field of Study: Health, Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) 

If you could go back to your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I wish I could tell my first year self that "a support network may not come as quickly as you'd like, but that doesn't mean you're incapable of growing it." At first, I had extreme trouble socializing on campus due to academic stress and difficulty adjusting to campus. It was isolating for a while, but I eventually pushed myself to attend more events on campus and schedule to meet with more friends. Now, I look forward to my time on campus! Despite this, I know from experience that it's all easier said than done, so I aim to support those who might be struggling in a similar way. 

Fun fact: I'm a fan of most animated shows, all things bird related, and many K-pop groups. 

A headshot of Binta. A female with dark brown hair wearing a gold colored top.
Binta Tounkara '25
Pronouns: She, her, hers

Intended field of study: Economics

If you could go back to yourself in your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? If I could go back to my first year of college and offer a piece of advice, I would say, find a professor you like (they don't even have to be in your major department or your academic advice) connect with them and have them be your mentor. Not only for references, but for the abundance of wisdom they have about course structures and how to go about navigating academics. Other than that, stay safe and have fun, 4 years in college time runs much faster than high school does. 

Fun fact: The first car I have ever driven was a Peugeot 405.