Employee Spotlight: Katie Sadowski

Describe your role at Yale University

I am the Program Manager of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Clinic at Yale Law School. We work with law students, providing clinical experience and legal training in the practice of transactional law, and innovative, mission-driven start-up ventures, providing legal services and advice on corporate governance, fundraising, and transactional matters and intellectual property issues that emerge from starting, managing, and growing their businesses. I serve as the Clinic paralegal and manage communications, budgets, and reporting and analytics for the Clinic. 

Why did you join DAY? 

Initially I joined DAY when my child was younger seeking support and connection with parents whose children also have disabilities. I rejoined DAY almost two years ago for this reason, and also because I wanted to be involved with DAYs broader work across Yale. I have learned so much about disability work in my time working on the DAY newsletter. DAY’s advocacy and awareness work is critical, now more than ever. Also, DAY connects people and builds community, which I love. 

What does disability inclusion mean to you? 

To me, disability inclusion starts with awareness, openness, and understanding of the many possible challenges someone may be facing in some area of their life. And doing whatever it takes to make sure there are systems, structures, and policies in place that allow everyone to access education, employment, and a social world. I have witnessed first-hand how life-changing educational and vocational opportunities can be and am grateful they exist. Without them, my child’s trajectory would have been very different. 

What’s one misconception about disability you’d like to change? 

I feel I can only speak to one type of disability (Autism) because that is my experience. I would want people to understand that Autism is a spectrum and it presents so differently in different people. The saying – if you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism – is so true. 

Is there a disability-related topic or term you think deserves more attention or understanding? 

The risks and prevalence of mental health issues among people with disabilities, particularly after school-based programs end. 

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about disability in the workplace? 

That not all disabilities are visible and they manifest in different ways, including in social interactions.