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Ian Malesiewski, Policy Fellow

National Leadership Program, Winter 2020 – Spring 2021

Ian Malesiewski smiling headshot

Ian Malesiewski

Ian Malesiewski was a Public Policy and Employment Fellow in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program for Winter and Spring 2021. RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.

Malesiewski was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. In high school, Ian was both a Division One football and wrestling recruit. On June 3, 2016, Malesiewski experienced a traumatic neck/spinal cord injury while wrestling in the Cadet World Team Trials at the University of Akron; he was trying to earn a spot representing the United States of America at the World Championships in Bourges, France.

After graduating in the top 10 of his high school class, Malesiewski was able to earn a full academic scholarship to the University of Miami, where he is currently majoring in neuroscience and triple minoring in chemistry, public health, and philosophy. On-campus, Malesiewski currently serves as the Accessibility Services Liaison in the University’s Student Government. In this role, Ian works to create the most accessible campus for all individuals living with both intellectual and physical disabilities. Upon graduation, Malesiewski plans to attend law school, where he will focus on disability law and policy.

Outside of campus, Malesiewski has held many other disability advocacy roles with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Specifically, he has served as a certified peer mentor, advocacy blog writer, and legislative first responder. He recently established a scholarship fund to help students with disabilities attend college. Furthermore, Malesiewski has also interned and worked with many congressional campaigns as a disability policy researcher and field worker. All of these experiences have made Ian extremely passionate about advocating for the disability community, and he hopes to use this opportunity with RespectAbility to learn, grow, and help create more equitable opportunities for all individuals living with disabilities.

Learn More About The National Leadership Program

Meet the Author

Ian Malesiewski

Ian Malesiewski currently serves as the Accessibility Services Liaison in the University of Miami’s Student Government. After graduation, he plans to attend law school, where he will focus on disability law and policy.

1 comment… add one
  • Tina Carlstrom Feb 24, 2021, 4:36 pm

    Hi Ian.

    I am JT’s mother. He has told me great things about you! I saw this blog and donated to “Respect Ability”.

    I wish you all the best.

    Sincerely,
    Tina Carlstrom

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