Two Penn State students, Tanja Jefferson and Lauren Shevchek, are using their personal experiences to lead efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for students with disabilities.
Both Jefferson and Shevchek are Penn State World Campus undergraduate students who have worked with their peers and staff members to create lasting change for all Penn Staters.
Jefferson, a multidisciplinary studies major who splits time between Australia and California, has a dynamic invisible disability that affects her functioning.
“I think it’s important for me to acknowledge that success differs day to day,” she said. “Success is an ongoing process, and you can and should be able to define what that looks like individually and continuously.”
Shevchek, a strategic communications and psychology major, was paralyzed in a diving accident in 2013 after her first year at Penn State University Park. She returned to Penn State in 2021 through World Campus, determined to pursue her education and advocate for others.
“My passion for empowering students with disabilities comes from my own experience and the limiting beliefs I once put on myself,” she said. “I assumed that with my limited hand function, I would never be able to use a computer, and that thought alone kept me from exploring education and other online social opportunities.”
Together, Jefferson and Shevchek have worked to ensure students with disabilities are not only supported but also empowered to lead. Jefferson collaborated with the Penn State World Campus Student Government Association (WCSGA) and Student Affairs to create a special committee focused on disability advocacy and awareness.
“Good advocacy includes action,” Jefferson said. “It’s not just the next logical step in the process of creating effective change, but entirely necessary.”
The committee aims to give students with disabilities a lasting voice in student government and create leadership opportunities that shape the future of online education. Jefferson hopes it will become a permanent part of WCSGA.
Shevchek, who previously focused on sharing her story to raise awareness, expanded her advocacy this year.
“There is strength in numbers, and when we come together and efficiently organize, we can change perspectives on a mass level,” she said.
The duo also co-led a livestream event in July celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The four-hour program featured personal stories, panel discussions, and information about resources available to students. They continue to collect testimonials from Penn State community members about how the ADA has impacted their lives.
“Creating the standing committee for disability advocacy will ensure it’s a position and focus that remains consistently represented in WCSGA affairs and the World Campus community as a whole,” she said.
Jefferson also organized a survey to assess how connected students feel to Student Disability Services. The survey is still available for World Campus students to anonymously share their experiences. The committee is just part of their broader advocacy that goes beyond governance.
Their work helped launch the Disability and Neurodivergence Affinity Group at World Campus, which began in summer 2025 with 55 members.
Shevchek encouraged her peers to consider joining a student organization.
“If you can make time for even one club, it will make you feel a lot more connected to your fellow students and help you enjoy the collegiate experience,” Shevchek said.
Terry Watson, associate director of Student Disability Services, praised their leadership and contributions to the Penn State community.
“They’re not just advocating — they’re becoming a resource to the University and a force for change,” he said.
Learn more about how Penn State World Campus supports online students through Student Disability Services.
Jefferson’s and Shevchek’s story is a part of the series “This is Success: Online learners show what’s possible,” which explores Penn State World Campus students’ successes during all parts of their academic journey.