The unstoppable Kaylee Davis

By Jan Lucas on December 13, 2018

For four years, Kaylee Davis ’18 zipped around TU’s 329-acre campus on a snazzy mobility scooter.

Well, mostly zipped.

Riding in style may seem like fun, but the Rockville, Maryland, native says it hasn’t always been easy.

A self-described “little person” Davis and her parents anticipated some of the challenges she’d face as a college student. “When we visited TU, we knew the size and terrain would present some accessibility issues,” she recalls.

A heavy-duty scooter provided the speed and maneuverability she needed to  
cover the distance between classes.  

TU’s Disability Support Services (DSS)  was always there to smooth the way, Davis explains. “I registered with DSS right away because I needed accommodations, and they were very supportive and responsive when I had problems.

“If you’re disabled, you have to be outspoken,” she insists. “If the elevators aren’t working, most people can take the stairs—but that’s difficult or impossible for others. We’re late for class or can’t get to class at all.

“It’s the same when curb cuts are missing or the sidewalk is uneven,” she continues. “Everyone on campus wants to be helpful. They just don’t deal with it on a daily basis the way we do.”

The DSS staff took note of Davis’ advocacy. “From the moment I met Kaylee, I thought she would make a difference at Towson,” says director Susan Willemin. “She’s always looking out for the other person.”

Determined to push herself, the graphic design student spent her TU career exploring a variety of on- and off-campus opportunities. She signed on to take photos for the TU women's ice hockey club and worked part time for the campus photographer. She traveled to the U.K. for a graphic design internship, and last summer she completed a sports marketing internship with Disabled Sports USA, a Rockville, Maryland-based organization that supports people with disabilities who want to play adaptive sports.

“I woke up excited every morning,” Davis says of the experience. “I knew my work at DSUSA benefited somebody like myself who needed resources to play sports. 

“DSUSA sponsors programs in schools, and the organization also helps to train youth to compete in the Paralympic Games.”   

With December graduation approaching, Davis says she’s looking forward to launching her career. “I’d like to continue working in the sports industry,” she says, “but I’m open to other opportunities.” 

Whatever she chooses to do, she’ll remain a staunch advocate for people with disabilities.

“Anytime there’s a problem, I say something,” Davis explains. “Some people with disabilities don’t have the strength or the voice to speak up—but I do.”

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: Diverse and Inclusive Campus.