February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), and each Friday this month, we are casting spotlights on community members who face disability in their lives. Today, we shine our light on Annabelle Smith, a University at Buffalo student who also serves as an office assistant for Hillel of Buffalo as part of the Federal Work Study program.

A first-year student majoring in psychology, Annabelle brings her bright and friendly personality to Hillel where she is the first person to greet students and visitors as they come into the Hillel space at UB. A high school counselor (also a UB alum) from her school in Owego, NY, recommended that Annabelle apply to UB after hearing of her desire to become a clinical psychologist. After touring the university, Annabelle quickly fell in love with the campus and realized that is where she wanted to be.

Annabelle has Cerebral Palsy, a disability she has had since birth. It mainly affects her muscles, mostly her legs and motor skills. She is very open to people asking her questions about her disability, especially children, “They’re so curious,” she says. “It’s definitely a huge part of who I am,” she continues. “In a way it’s made me who I am and its taught me to just be nice to people. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my disability. It’s made me overcome challenges that not everybody faces.”

At UB, Annabelle uses crutches, which she did not use often until she came to college. She has never had to worry as much about things like doorways being accessible. “There’s a lot of doors at UB and sometimes the handicap push buttons don’t work” says Annabelle. In addition, not every dorm building has elevators, so Annabelle contacted AR (Accessibility Resources at UB) and they moved her to an elevator building.

Annabelle says the best part of her college experience so far is meeting new people. “The people I have met and the friends I have gained have been pretty nice.” Annabelle has really enjoyed her time working at Hillel saying, “It’s a great place to work, I’d love to be at Hillel in future years and keep this as a part of my UB experience, it’s a really friendly community.” Outside of work and school, Annabelle likes relaxing in her dorm room, listening to music and reading a good book. Her goals for this semester are to get out more and be more social; meeting and interacting with new people and making even more new connections.

We are grateful to Zack Steinberg, Director of Engagement at Hillel of Buffalo, for contributing today’s spotlight.