DREAM is an organization at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. DREAM stands for Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring. DREAM is a nationally affiliated organization. The organization is open to anyone, including alumni, faculty and/or community members.

Below is an interview with DREAM President Alissa Mautz.

What is the main purpose of your organization?

“The main purpose of DREAM is to provide a safe space for students with disabilities and their allies a safe space to come together to discuss issues related to disability. This includes educating one another about disabilities, advocating for more accessible environment and fighting ableism both on and off campus, raising awareness, and celebrating disability pride.”

How often does your organization meet? What are your meetings like or about?

“DREAM meets every Wednesday at 7:00pm via Zoom. We typically start off with a fun ice breaker then move into our topic for the rest of the week. We often have student presenters who sign up to present on a specific disability or disability related topic they’re passionate about! If we don’t have a student presenter that week, then I as the president will present. If you’d like to get involved, you can email us at dream@uww.edu or visit our Instagram (@uww_dream)”

What is the benefit of your organization?

“Our organization is beneficial as it establishes a sense of community for students with disabilities and their allies on our campus. UW-Whitewater is recognized nationally for its inclusivity and accessibility, so a lot of students choose to go here because of their passion for disability advocacy and awareness. DREAM allows folks with that mindset to come together!”

What made you join your organization?

“I initially joined DREAM because of my involvement in other students organizations made me realize how important it is to advocate for accessibility on our campus. Once I joined, I felt such a great sense of community among our members that I knew I had to keep coming back.”