Small Steps of Purdue
The real Boilermakers who receive support from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at Purdue are telling their stories.
Disability takes countless forms — most not even externally visible. In honor of this vast diversity among students with disabilities, students who use the DRC are standing up one by one to tell their stories. These students show that there’s no one way to be a Boilermaker, but Boilermakers do have some core values in common — determination. Positivity. Passion. Mutual care and support. And you’ll see those values coming through in every one of their small steps.
Being a Boilermaker means I get to have dreams and succeed — something that, for a while, I was afraid I wasn’t allowed to have.
Grace Bowling Senior, Math/Physics
Keep Exploring
Early advocacy paved way for Purdue’s thriving Disability Resource Center
It’s a source of endless pride for early advocates that today’s Boilermakers with disabilities have ample opportunities to succeed.
Pete’s story: I’ve been where you are
I used the DRC as a student. Now I work there, getting students access to the services they need.
Mikaela’s story: I didn’t have an IEP. I got help anyway.
I never needed accommodations until my sophomore year, but the DRC didn’t hesitate to offer the help I needed.
Madeline’s story: Crohn’s gave me a passion
My experience with Crohn’s is the reason I’m studying to be a pharmacist.
Em’s story: Advocating for self-acceptance
Once I finally got on board with my ADHD diagnosis, it felt like I was embracing myself.
Grace’s story: Determined to succeed
People often question my abilities. But once they get to know me, they see I have solid ideas.
David’s story: Positivity matters
I’m a positive person, and the DRC’s support helps build on that. I can participate in college life like anybody.
Daniella’s story: Dyslexia is my superpower
Early on, there was a disconnect with everything that I read. In third grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia.
