DAVIDSON, N.C. — A college student with a neurologic condition limiting her arm mobility is raising awareness about accessibility whenever she can.

What You Need To Know

Sarah Todd Hammer raises awareness about accessibility

Hammer has acute flaccid myelitis, a neurologic condition limits her arm mobility

For her, being her own advocate is empowering

Sarah Todd Hammer is not afraid to ask for accommodations and support when she needs it, because she said being her own advocate is empowering. 

Hammer is a junior at Davidson College, majoring in psychology and communication studies.  

During a walk around campus this fall, it doesn’t take long for her to run into people she knows. 

“That’s the nice thing about this small school is that you run into five or 10 people on your way to class,” Hammer said. 

Hammer is also grateful how welcoming people have been at Davidson. At age 8, she developed acute flaccid myelitis, a neurologic condition causing muscles and reflexes to become weak. 

“I can’t move my left hand. My right hand is really weak, and I can’t move certain areas of my shoulders,” Hammer said. 

This means Hammer types on her computer with one hand instead of two. 

“It limits my independence in certain ways, so I do rely on friends and family to help me, but I’ve also found ways to adapt things and to do things on my own,” Hammer said.

Hammer cherishes her independence. One little thing she mentions is it may take longer for her to complete certain tasks, but this doesn’t always mean she needs help. 

“Even though I always know people have positive intentions with offering help, sometimes it really rubs me the wrong way if someone steps in and does something for me without asking. I think it’s just always best to ask and then you can help in the way they direct you,” Hammer said. 

She’s not afraid to ask for help. At the dining hall, for example, she asks staff for assistance getting food.

"I know it’s something I deserve, and people are happy to offer me the help," Hammer said. 

For Hammer, the president of Davidson Disability Alliance, being her own advocate is empowering. 

One little thing she wants others to know is she finds it freeing to ask for help.

Earlier this year, she recorded a TikTok video showing a door knob that prevented her from opening a door at the library where she had a class. Hammer reached out to the university, and staff removed the entire door. 

“I thought their response was timely and really good, so now I’m able to get to my class,” Hammer said. 

It may be a little thing, but for her it was a game changer. 

“Accessibility benefits everyone,” Hammer said. 

Hammer is also a writing tutor, a college tour guide and a speaker.