Kate Shannon

"Within 2 months of obtaining my CUNY SPS degree, I was offered a position as assistant director for the Center of Student Disability Services at a private university in New York State."

What were some of the most defining aspects of your time at CUNY SPS?

One of the most defining aspects of my time at CUNY SPS was exploring the social model of disability. My coursework challenged my previous notions of disability. I am now more committed than ever to advocating for social justice within the disability community.

As a higher education disability services professional, I frame my work around the social model of disability and strive to promote disability pride. As the Assistant Director of Communications for Girls with Guts (a non-profit organization seeking to empower women with IBD and/or ostomies), I incorporate disability theory into my blog posts and social media campaigns.

What is the best piece of advice, or most important thing you learned at CUNY SPS?

The most important thing I learned is how disability is largely socially constructed by a society that fails to consider diverse human needs.

Who influenced you the most? Please feel free to include anyone from the CUNY SPS community including faculty, staff, or classmates.

All of my CUNY SPS professors and classmates were amazing. I am especially appreciative of Dr. Mark Friedman. His course introduced me to disability history and the social model of disability for the first time. I reached out to him earlier this year to connect him with a group of students working on a project at my college. He was more than happy to let these students interview him about how colleges can promote the social model of disability.

How has your CUNY SPS influenced your current job, and your career overall?

I earned my CUNY SPS degree in Disability Services in Higher Education. Within 2 months of obtaining my degree, I was offered a position as assistant director for the Center of Student Disability Services at a private university in New York State. I absolutely love my job and apply the knowledge and skills I learned at CUNY daily.

My CUNY SPS experience has additionally influenced my volunteer work. While attending CUNY SPS, I started writing as a blogger for Girls with Guts. I incorporated many of the theories and ideas I learned in class into my blog posts. Within a year, I was promoted to blog coordinator and then assistant director of communications. I ran a social media campaign focused on “preparing for college with IBD and/or an ostomy” in which I shared the knowledge I gained through my courses. One of my current projects for this position involves making information sheets about ADA and employment.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my career is helping students enjoy their college experience and succeed.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself excelling in my current position (my dream job).

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• What show/s are you currently watching? I honestly do not watch TV regularly. However, I enjoy watching reruns of old comedies.
• What is your favorite meal? Dinner
• What is your favorite line in a movie? I cannot think of one at the moment :) I am sure it will come to me as soon as I submit this.
• Favorite or most recent book you read?  I love reading! I consider it my therapy! I am currently reading a mystery titled “A Guide for Murdered Children.” I have a list of disability pride books on my list of “to read” next.
• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, none, all?  Facebook
• List 3 things you would bring to a deserted island. 

1. Books (lots of books)
2. A comfortable pillow
3. Extra soft toilet paper :)

Read more about Master of Science in Disability Services in Higher Education