Woodstock Elementary fifth-graders were captivated as Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins described the heat of March 12, 1990, and the moment she, at 8 years old, pulled herself up the 365 stairs of the U.S. Capitol, her wheelchair left behind. As one of the only children participating in the protest, she was determined to make it to the top.

Students had already read their school’s library book “All the Way to the Top” about Keelan-Chaffins introduction to being an activist, but hearing her speak brought history off the page and into their classroom in a powerful and personal way.

Keelan-Chaffins, who was born with cerebral palsy, shared what it was like growing up in Phoenix in a world that was often inaccessible.

“When it came time for me to start kindergarten, the neighborhood school that I could see from my front yard, was not wheelchair accessible,” she told students, adding it also didn’t offer a special education program that met her needs.

Even everyday activities such as riding the bus was not possible, since public transportation lacked working wheelchair lifts.

Her experiences helped students better understand the real-life impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law many students had heard of, but didn’t fully understand.

Keelan-Chaffins became involved in the disability rights movement at age 6, joining protests for accessibility.

“It was the first time I'd ever met other people with disabilities who were just like myself, who were fighting for their civil rights and the right to be treated like everyone else, with dignity and respect and the right to have full and equal access to all areas of society,” she said. “I learned that having a disability could be very empowering. By the end of the weekend, I was leading the protest through the streets of downtown Phoenix.”

That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to advocacy as Keelan-Chaffins traveled city to city and learned from leaders in the movement.

“These were my teachers and my mentors growing up. They taught me how to fight and stand up for my civil rights and the civil rights of others,” she said.

One recounted her role in the historic Capitol Crawl, when activists gathered in Washington, D.C., urging Congress to pass the ADA without further delay. Despite doubts from others, Keelan-Chaffins was unwavering about the climb.

“I was not just representing myself, but I was representing my generation and future generations of kids with disabilities,” she said. “I was more determined than ever to make sure that I reached the top so that all of our voices would be heard.”

Four months later, on July 26, 1990, the ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, an event Keelan-Chaffins attended.

While progress has been made, she said advocacy is still needed.

“The ADA is not just about physical access; it is also about personal empowerment and what it means to you and how it can empower you to use your voice to exercise and enforce your rights or the rights of your friends and family members. If you are aware that something needs to change in your community due to a lack of accessibility, then a good place to start would be to talk to your parents, your teachers, your city and state leaders and your congressmen and women and make them aware of the issue and why it needs to change,” Keelan-Chaffins said.

Her message, shared through the Sammy’s Buddies Program, resonated with Woodstock students who participate in building friendships and inclusion between general education students and students with disabilities. On a monthly basis, they do activities together.

Fifth-grader Erol Pracic enjoys participating in the program.

“I like to spend time with them; it’s fun and we’re friends,” he said.

Special education teacher Erica Villarreal said the program builds empathy and community.

“Our gen ed kids learn acceptance,” she said. “They learn it's OK if somebody's different from them. They learn empathy, my kids are excited to have friends. It builds inclusion and community.”

The virtual presentation also connected to classroom learning. Fifth-grade teacher Kate Axtell encouraged students to compare Keelan-Chaffins’ journey to characters they’ve read about, including Kenny in “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963.”

“They didn’t give up; they both had courage to stand up,” said fifth-grader Havic Duncan.

Axtell said Keelan-Chaffins’ journey with the ADA is important to include in students’ studies.

“It’s part of history that often isn’t studied, but needs to be included to tell our whole story,” she said and added the students were fortunate to virtually meet her.

Utah Executive Director of Sammy's Buddy Program Anne Kimble said Keelan-Chaffins gives about 10 presentations annually to local schools.

“The goal is to inspire students to use the power of their own voices, to recognize the value of each individual and also to understand that inclusion and belonging,” Kimble said. “We want to help kids understand differences aren't barriers, but actually strengths that can help shape our communities at large, and that belonging happens when we actively choose to include, when we work to uplift and stand alongside each other.”

Before the Zoom session concluded, Keelan-Chaffins introduced her service dog, Maya, who assists with daily tasks and medical alerts, much to the delight of students.

She also gave them a message going forward: “You should never be afraid to use your voice to speak up and speak out to create change. You don’t have to be a grown up to change the world.”

For those interested in scheduling a presentation, email Kimble at [email protected].