51ĀŅĀ×

Zimmerman, who has autism, is a junior at 51ĀŅĀ× who has persevered against the odds. She struggled to express her thoughts verbally in high school but experienced a ā€œcommunication breakthroughā€ when she began using an iPad at 18.

ā€œI was finally able to express my personal thoughts and share what I know,ā€ said Zimmerman, who graduated from high school at 21.

Zimmerman champions inclusivity on campus. As a first-year student she founded 51ĀŅĀ× Sparkles, a spirit squad for students with and without disabilities that supports OHIOā€™s athletic teams. The squad boosts school spirit while also raising awareness and public acceptance of people with disabilities.

ā€œWe want to create opportunities for those with disabilities to engage in social activities through our community,ā€ said Zimmerman, a special education major.

Zimmerman also worked with the OHIO Police Department to ensure its dispatching software accepts incoming text messages and to secure training for its officers and dispatchers on how to best serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ā€œJordyn isā€¦a strong advocate for not only those on the spectrum, but everyone with special needs,ā€ says OUPD Chief Andrew Powers.

Feature photograph courtesy of Jordyn Zimmerman