Bud McCall Grant Recipient Flies High as a Georgia Tech Undergraduate

"There's no doubt Saif Aslam is a go-getter," said MaryEllen Mendiratta, a GVRA counselor in the Augusta office who has worked closely with Saif (pronounced "Seff") during his transition from high school to college. "In a short amount of time, Saif has already become a force on the Georgia Tech campus. For instance, he was elected president of Georgia Tech's ABLE Alliance, an organization that is dedicated to on-campus inclusion for faculty, staff, and students," she explained. "Additionally, Saif was selected to participate in a business mentorship program known as the NextGen Leadership program, which is hosted by Disability:IN, a nonprofit resource for disability inclusion in business."

A native of Warner Robins, Saif was born with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD). He was misdiagnosed multiple times with various other conditions that include similar symptoms. Around the age of seven, Saif was properly diagnosed. Ullrich CMD is a degenerative disease which results in continued loss of physical abilities.

"The best way that I describe the condition is a sort of 'if you don't use it, you will lose it' mentality, in that the less that I do the more my physical condition degrades," noted Saif . "When I started using an electric wheelchair, or when I couldn't leave my house during the COVID pandemic, it really took a significant toll on my mental and physical health. I had to watch as I lost the ability to perform tasks I was capable of doing when I was younger."

Saif also suffers from severe scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine. "Scoliosis has affected my lungs and left me with respiratory lung disease. This condition has given me chronic pain that I have to deal with daily. Because of scoliosis, I must decompress my spine at multiple intervals throughout the day. The condition also forces me to use an oxygen machine (BiPap) when I sleep," said Saif. "Scoliosis makes getting around even more difficult for me. I also must be aware of high pollen counts because of the impact on my lungs.

Counseling and Support Services - Paving the Way to a Robust Campus Life

In May, Saif completed his freshman year at Georgia Tech. He is majoring in computer science, with a minor in business. He applied for GVRA's Bud McCall grant which provides financial assistance with tuition, books, and room and board. "Saif initially participated in our Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) program and was referred to us by his local high school," explained Mendiratta. "During his participation in Pre-ETS, Saif and his mother reached out to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to gather information about additional support services for which he might be eligible," she said. "I quickly began working with Saif and his family to help him prepare for his first year in college. GVRA has provided counseling, guidance, and support services to help Saif achieve his dream of becoming more independent."

According to Mendiratta, she was initially assigned Saif's case because of its complexity. "Saif has a congenital form of muscular dystrophy and associated health challenges that affect his movement, physical tolerance, dexterity, and fine motor skills," she explained. "Those impediments do not stop Saif from doing the things he loves. He challenges himself to become more independent each day."

When asked about his experience with GVRA, Saif said, "During the course of my life, I've learned to pivot and adapt whenever I run into a barrier. Georgia Tech staff, and by extension GVRA staff, have helped me expand on this further---helping me to move forward against any obstacles that come my way. My counselor is Ms. MaryEllen Mendiratta, and I've also worked closely with Ms. Tracy Stepney in the Assistive Work Technology (AWT) department. Ms. MaryEllen does everything she can to make sure I succeed at Georgia Tech and beyond. Without her assistance, I'm not sure I would have been able to attend Georgia Tech in the first place."

Assistive Work Technology - Making Life Easier

As Saif transitioned from high school to college, the AWT staff realized the extent of his need for alternative access. AWT Coordinator Tracy Stepney said, "This was Saif's first time living away from home and being separated from the parental support he had received regarding his activities of daily living. Saif's functional limitations were considerations our team had to analyze. AWT staff met with Saif, his family members, and Georgia Tech staff members on numerous occasions to determine what modifications were necessary and what assistive technology would be appropriate."

According to Stepney, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) staff provided Saif with durable medical equipment and assistive technology so he could participate in his new post-secondary environment. The AWT staff and Georgia Tech staff worked in tandem to implement dorm room modifications, which greatly contributed to Saif's independence on campus.

"During the initial transition phase, some of the adjustments, along with the assistive technology, were not without trial and error," Stepney observed. "However, what needed to be implemented has worked well. I believe Saif has soared to new heights. He can look forward to his sophomore year with enthusiasm, rather than fearing it. Saif was accepted into Georgia Tech's Technology and Management Program. That program has a 13 percent acceptance rate, so getting accepted is an indicator of Saif's success."

Currently a Student - Always a Disability Advocate

As a disability advocate, Saif is constantly on the lookout for ways in which life on the storied campus can be better not only for himself, but for other individuals with disabilities. "I take my advocacy work at Georgia Tech seriously," Saif noted. "When I had to deal with multiple issues that made living on campus harder for a student with a disability, I took steps to get them addressed while working around them. For example, if a sidewalk or path is too steep or perhaps broken up, then I'll see if I can find an easier route on campus. However, I'm making a mental note to point it out to campus administration. I am proud to say I have met with senior leadership, including the provost, to resolve these issues."

Reflecting on the progress Saif made during his freshman year, Mendiratta said she will never forget a phone call she had with Saif and his mother during his first week of classes. "Saif and his mom shared with me that he experienced opening a door by himself for the first time because he had an access card he could use in his dormitory. Saif reported that he practiced opening the automatic door several times the first day because it was such a delight for him to be able to perform that task on his own."

Regarding life outside of the classroom, Saif mentioned he wants the residence halls to be more accessible for students with disabilities. "I had nowhere to sit that was wheelchair accessible outside of my dorm room; therefore, I spent my first- and second- semesters transforming my dorm's student lounge into a more inclusive environment. As a result, administration officials added a wheelchair-accessible and height-adjustable desk to the lounge. They also hung lights from the ceiling to create better lighting and added a bookshelf. As you can see, residence hall life is important to me, so I have accepted a position as a communications coordinator for Georgia Tech's Residence Hall Association."

Saif's College Years - As an Undergraduate and a Published Author

Not only is Saif an undergraduate student, but he is also an author. "I am publishing my second book soon. I've been working on it ever since I published my first children's book titled, "What I Could've Been," Saif said. "I'm excited about publishing my second book, as it is my first full-length novel. It's a labor of love; I hope readers will immerse themselves in this world of wonder I have created."

When asked how he became an author, Saif explained that writing a book was related to his inability to overcome some obstacles. "During the COVID quarantine, Warner Robins had practically no extracurricular opportunities for me. It seemed many of them involved manual labor, or required individuals to perform tasks which I simply couldn't do," he said. "So, I searched for alternative ways to make my mark. That's when I decided to become an author."

As Saif looks to the future, he is full of hope and optimism. Mendiratta, his counselor, sums it up best: "There is no limit to Saif's determination. That young man views every opportunity as a chance to shine a light on the world of disability and to help others around him understand accessibility," she exclaimed.

"I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be Saif's VR counselor. I am a member of the team who is cheering him on from the sidelines. And he's fortunate to have such a supportive mother. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Saif. I know it's going to be bright," mused Mendiratta.

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