As a student at Ball State University, Jordan Grammas benefited from the impact of accommodations on her academic career. Her experience sparked an interest in providing similar support for others. Now, she brings her passion to Purdue, assuming a role as the Disability Resource Center's (DRC) assistant director in Indianapolis.

“I've always had a passion for working with disabled students,” says Grammas.“I saw that the DRC was hiring for their office in Indianapolis, and I was really interested because coming across disability services and disability resource positions isn’t common.”

Grammas studied child development in college but decided to change her career trajectory a month before graduation. Inspired by her own positive experiences with disability services, she applied to graduate school at Ball State to study special education.

While working toward her master’s degree, Grammas gained practical experience through a practicum with the Disability Services Office, an assistantship with the special education department and an internship at the Autism Center. Upon receiving her master’s degree, Grammas took a position at the Ball State Disability Services Office and remained there for three years.

Grammas transitioned to Purdue University in May 2024, a few months before the Indianapolis location’s official launch.

The DRC provides a range of support to Purdue students in Indianapolis, working directly with those living with disabilities to determine what type of academic, housing, dining and parking accommodations they may need.

The work is different every single day, Grammas shares. She spends much of her time coordinating accommodations, training student workers and meeting with students who need accommodations. Grammas also collaborates with faculty to answer questions about DRC policies and procedures.

Located on the third floor of the Engineering Technology building at Purdue in Indianapolis, the DRC is a few doors away from other helpful resources, including career services, academic advising, counseling services and the associate dean of students.

Grammas called it a one-stop shop, emphasizing the collaborative environment and the close vicinity of resources for students. The ability to consult with colleagues and address student concerns in a smaller environment has been a rewarding aspect of her new role, she says.

“The community of this job is really unique,” Grammas shares. “It already feels like I’ve worked here for years.”

To learn more about the DRC and their work in Indianapolis, visit the Purdue DRC website. You can also explore Purdue’s urban campus by visiting the Purdue in Indianapolis website and meet more of the Teaching and Learning staff on the Teaching and Learning website.