AT Champions

Published On: November 05, 2024

The AT Champion Program at The Arc of Northern Virginia is a six-month journey of shared experiences and community building. This program, held in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and Tech Owl, goes beyond information dissemination. It’s about fostering authentic engagement and empowering young people with disabilities. It’s about learning from each other, activism, disability history, and the wealth of locally available resources. It’s about building connections with other young people with disabilities and addressing the disengagement of assistive technology within the larger disability community. Together, the program develops and implements an outreach strategy to improve authentic engagement with assistive technology by all people with disabilities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

(Read AT Champion program engages with disability community, about AT Champion Claire McTiernan’s experience with the program.)

Mehdi Ali

My name is Mehdi Ali. I just graduated from Independence High School, in Ashburn, Virginia earning accolades that highlight my exceptional dedication and creativity. I received the “Show Your Stripes” award for leadership and school spirit, as well as a Volunteer Service Cord for commitment to the community. I love capturing pictures and videos of the wonders I see around me, and the adventures I experience. I have a social media presence on Instagram and Youtube where I showcase my talent and help others see the world through my eyes. As a passionate YouTuber, I have built a platform focused on assistive technology among other things. I discovered “AT Champions” when I met Ms. Wohlers at the Traffic Safety program conducted by TFIL in Arlington,VA. I was immediately interested because this initiative is very similar to my personal goals. I plan on creating engaging content to raise awareness, help others navigate such tools and bring innovative videos to showcase how to use technology for their daily needs. I am excited to continue using my reach to make a difference and inspire others through my work and dedication. In my free time, I edit pictures and videos using software and upload them on my Instagram and Youtube. Also, whenever I have time to spare, I often try new recipes, review restaurants and products or share my traveling adventures for Youtube content. One fun fact about me is that I have an excellent motor memory. Once I learn a new skill hands-on, I never forget it and I don’t get bored doing the same task all day, every day. Infact, my grasp can sometimes be so good that I can even teach the same skill to others! I love helping people out in any way I can. I have been working with The Arc of Loudoun and The Arc of Northern Virginia for three years now and can say that it has been a wonderful experience. Everything I’ve learned, from using the app of Arc 2 Independence to Summer Camp with Travel Training, has been a blast! I am very thankful to all those I have been working with to make these great memories in the past and very excited and hopeful to see what new adventures I will have in the future.

Kim Drudge

I’m a 22-year old college student who is blind. I love horses, am passionate about disability rights, the U.S. and military, and , of course, assistive technology and education. I’ve been blind since I was approximately 4 months old. I go to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and I’m currently majoring in sociology. My favorite subjects are science, English, and U.S. history.

Schuyler Hudson

Hi may name is Schuyler and I have using my [AAC] device for 16 years. I think what inspired me is I want to help people who wants to make an difference. I writes stories. I love too listen to music and cook. I can be shy in first but the more you get to know me, I can open up to you.