Thomas Waldschmidt, safety specialist, has a knack for creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone, something he learned the importance of at a very young age. Born with sensorineural bilateral hearing loss, which is caused from damage to the inner ear or pathways from the inner ear to the brain, Thomas was unable to communicate with anyone for the first five years of his life. “I attended the Moog Center for Deaf Education to learn how to speak, and I spent several years there before I could transition into public school,” said Thomas. “The challenges didn’t stop there, but with the strong support of my family, I was able to navigate them, and those experiences shaped me into who I am today.”
Thomas continues to use the lessons learned in patience, persistence, and connection to guide him in his daily life, especially at work. His service dog, Bodie, who is retired now, also played a pivotal role in helping him with sounds during interactions with colleagues. “Having a disability has given me a unique and valuable perspective, helping me to find ways to adapt and overcome challenges. It strengthened my empathy and awareness of accessibility, noticing barriers that others may overlook,” said Thomas. “Those experiences at such a young age assist me every day as a safety specialist, helping me to problem solve, support others, and think proactively about how to make communication and environments a place of belonging for everyone.”
To take it a step further, Thomas is an advocate for himself and his peers in the disability community, calling upon others to be better allies. He shared that some of the most powerful ways to support the disability community every day is by actively listening to people’s experiences, including them in conversations and decisions, and asking how you can help. He is also a co-founder of ProfouND, the University’s employee resource group for faculty and staff with disabilities. “Our leadership team was inspired to start this group to create a space where people with visible and invisible disabilities could connect, share experiences, and support one another. It is open to anyone and its purpose is to foster community, promote accessibility, and give employees a voice in shaping a workplace where they can thrive.” It’s a meaningful experience and one of the things Thomas is most proud of.
In his 8 years at the University, Thomas continues to build a beloved community, working with different departments to keep campus safe and a place where everyone is embraced. “Having a disability doesn’t define our abilities or limit what we can contribute. People often focus on what we can’t do, but with the right support and understanding, we can accomplish a lot and bring unique perspectives and skills to any situation. Accessibility and inclusion aren’t just nice to have- they allow everyone to thrive and participate.”
To learn more about ProfouND, how you can get involved, and stay updated on future events, please fill out the group’s interest form.