For Ella Stroup, an interest in disability and accessibility began in the classroom and has continued into her work in the community. A Chapman University alumnus (Community Educational Studies, ‘26) in the Attallah College of Educational Studies, Stroup first explored these topics through a project in TPI Executive Director Meghan Cosier’s undergraduate Disability Studies class. That project led to an internship with the Glennwood Housing Foundation, where Cosier served as her advisor. Stroup continued working with Glennwood as she completed her capstone, building on the work she began through her coursework.
Last month, Stroup returned to Chapman to share her work at the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability’s (TPI) 11th Annual Summit on Disability and Opportunities for All. Her presentation highlighted how an academic project can develop into ongoing work focused on disability and accessibility.
From the Classroom to the Community
Stroup’s work with Glennwood included her involvement with Coastal Crew, an inclusive outdoor recreation and volunteer program that creates opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in recreation, volunteer service, and community activities. Through the program and in close collaboration with California State Parks, participants have taken
part in activities including beach cleanups, park projects, sensory-friendly events, and nature exploration. As her work continued, Stroup and Glennwood pursued additional support for Coastal Crew. Together, they wrote a $10,000 grant to continue the program, which was awarded. The grant provides an opportunity for the work to continue while expanding opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in community activities. For Stroup, the experience has provided an opportunity to take what she was learning about disability and accessibility and apply it outside the classroom. Her work with Glennwood also allowed her to work alongside community members and organizations while continuing to develop her own understanding of inclusive practices.
A Continued Connection to TPI
Stroup’s work returned to the TPI community when she presented at the Institute’s Summit last month. The Summit brought together educators, researchers, community members, and others working to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. Her presentation, which included California State Parks Superintendent Scott Kibbey and Coastal Crew Members, Lauren Potter and Carter Bak, gave attendees an opportunity to learn about the work she has been doing with Glennwood and Coastal Crew. It also brought her Chapman experience into a new setting, where she could share how her interests had developed through her coursework and community work.
“It was truly a full-circle moment. A year ago, I was a student just beginning Coastal Crew’s outreach. To return and share what we’ve accomplished together was incredibly meaningful,” Stroup shared.
For Cosier, Stroup’s presentation connected directly to the work that began in her classroom. As Stroup’s professor and later her internship advisor, Cosier supported her as she moved from a class project into an internship and continued work with Glennwood.“Chapman’s goal is for students to discover their strengths, put their learning to work, and make a meaningful contribution beyond campus,” Cosier said.
“Ella’s work with Glennwood Housing Foundation and Coastal Crew brings that goal to life. She took an idea from our Disability Studies classroom and helped build a community partnership that expands access to outdoor recreation for adults with disabilities. I’m proud of what Ella has accomplished and of the Coastal Crew members and partners who have made this work possible.”
TPI’s work includes connecting research, policy, and practice to advance disability inclusion. Highlighting the work of students and community partners provides another way to demonstrate how ideas about inclusion can be applied in communities.
Fostering Community Engagement
TPI’s partnership with Glennwood Housing Foundation connects Chapman students with community work that advances disability inclusion. Through Coastal Crew, students like Ella Stroup work alongside Glennwood and its partners to expand access to outdoor recreation for adults with disabilities. Glennwood CEO Faith Manners (‘89, ‘03) and Vice President of Programs Rachel Landers (‘12) are both Chapman alumni, and the partnership has given them a way to support current students while staying connected to the university. “Collaborating with Chapman brings fresh ideas and dedicated students into Glennwood’s work while giving them the chance to learn directly from our community,” said Manners.
“As Chapman alumni, Rachel and I know how meaningful it is to stay connected to the university and help create those opportunities for the next generation.”
Looking Ahead
Stroup’s journey from the classroom to the field has led to a new role as Glennwood Housing Foundation’s first Community Inclusion Coordinator. Building on her internship, capstone project, and work with Coastal Crew, she is continuing to create opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in community life.
Her recent presentation at the TPI Summit brought that work back to Chapman, giving students, faculty, and community partners a chance to learn from her experience. What began as a classroom project is now part of Stroup’s professional work at Glennwood and her ongoing commitment to disability inclusion.
