Amy is just like any other Phoenix College student. She struggles with math, sometimes misses the bus to school and her favorite food is, of course, pizza. The only difference is that she comes to class in a wheelchair.

Amy was born with Spina Bifida, a neural tube defect in which the spine of the fetus does not close properly. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people in the United States are living with this birth defect.

Due to the Spina Bifida, Amy has been forced to take time off from school on several occasions.

“That’s one of the challenges,” she says. “I sometimes have to drop classes and it puts me behind.”

Amy has kept a steady pace though, and after six long years, she is only two semesters away from graduating with an Associates Degree of Applied Sciences.

“The teachers and counselors here are very understanding when it comes to my health concerns,” she continues. “They are really supportive.”

Another form of support that Amy receives comes from the campus Disability Support Services. It is estimated that 530 Phoenix College students with disabilities utilize the Disability Support Services. The center provides students with one-on-one tutoring, helps set up classes for each semester and assigns fellow students as note-takers for different classes.

Amy is also involved in several campus organizations which include, The Christian Fellowship Club and the A.W.A.R.E. (Adults Who Are Returning to Education) Club.

“I’ve been appointed as treasurer for the third semester in a row,” she says. “I really enjoy the A.W.A.R.E . Club."

"Amy has historically committed time and energy into making A.W.A.R.E. a success,” says Rene Delgado, Re-entry Center coordinator and A.W.A.R.E. advisor. “We are lucky to have her.”

Amy plans to use the assistance that she has received from A.W.A.R.E. along with her degree to obtain a clerical position after graduation. She is very excited to use her computer and typing skills in a future career.

“Some people don’t realize how much I can and do push myself to get a job done,” says Amy. “But no one ever asks. People just assume that because I’m in a wheelchair, I won’t be able to complete a task. That is far from the truth.”

“If I was able to tell people just one thing, it would be, ‘Don’t be afraid to talk to me. You aren’t going to catch what I’ve got!”
The United States Congress deemed October as National Disability Awareness Month in 1988.

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