Variety Alum Sarah Advocates for Inclusion
For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been empowering kids with the tools to improve skills, confidence, and independence throughout childhood in preparation for a successful transition into adulthood.
No one embodies that spirit more than Variety Alum Sarah Schwegel, an Occupational Therapist Doctorate candidate, fierce advocate of disability rights, and a testament to Variety’s extraordinary history.
Sarah was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy as a baby, but that did not stop her from fearlessly taking on challenges. Variety provided Sarah with numerous types of equipment to navigate daily life, including:
Nearly thirty years later, Sarah lives independently in her own home, thanks in part to the equipment she received from Variety – notably, her power wheelchair.
“I knew if insurance denied a wheelchair, Variety could help me and make sure I could always get around 100% independently. I cannot fathom what my life would be like if I had to use a manual chair because I couldn’t afford a power wheelchair,” expresses Sarah.
Sarah consistently keeps her mind and body active through education, swimming, art, coaching wheelchair soccer, and working for Variety’s Recreation programs!
She explains that working for Variety gives her the opportunity to be a mentor. “I only had a few disabled role models when I was a kid, so I understand the how impactful that can be,” notes Sarah.
“By being a mentor for these younger kiddos, I can help them see a future for themselves.”
In addition to being a mentor, coach, and artist, Sarah is a lifelong learner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from Maryville University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Saint Louis University.
Sarah is currently pursuing a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University to fulfill her dream of improving local access to these essential services.
Sarah leverages her expertise and platform to advocate for those with disabilities. She serves on the executive board of FestAbility STL, an organization that celebrates disabilities the St. Louis community.
“We are such an important part of the community, but we don’t talk about our history and our culture, so we’re going to fix that,” shares Sarah.
Even at a young age, Sarah’s instinct to advocate was evident. As a direct beneficiary of Variety’s Ameren PowerKids program, Sarah was invited to speak to Ameren employees as part of their Disability Awareness Day.
“I like raising awareness,” explains Sarah. “Just being able to talk to people in the community and share is so important to me.”
“It’s hard and complicated, but disabled people have the same interests, goals, hopes, and dreams as everyone else.”
As a bold and brilliant leader, Sarah insists on a more inclusive world, and Variety is honored to be a part of her remarkable journey.
As we celebrate Variety’s 90-year journey, we need YOU to propel us into the future for 90 MORE. You can join Sarah in building a more inclusive future today!