Mazuchowski paying it forward

Roy Mazuchowski takes nothing for granted. The Chicago native was born with arthrogryposis – a rare disorder that can cause severe joint dysfunction. “I’m an incomplete quadriplegic. I can move my legs and arms but I can’t use them to grab objects,” said Mazuchowski who uses a wheelchair.

Despite the physical challenges, Mazuchowski proved to be a mental giant. He graduated in the top ten percent of his high school class, served as class president, was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” and soon he’ll hold a management degree from SIU College of Business.

“SIU College of Business has wonderful faculty and staff who provide the utmost service to the students,” said Mazuchowski. “Once when I was really sick with pneumonia and not doing well in his class, Dr. Greg White gave me an Incomplete instead of failing me. It made me feel really good that there are professors who are so understanding and compassionate. The entire faculty at CoBA really went above and beyond the call of duty in making sure I succeeded in this program.”

Mazuchowski also praises SIU Disability Support Services Director Kathleen Plesko who helped him find a personal caregiver. “Kathleen went the extra mile made sure that someone was available to take care of me,” he said.

Mazuchowski is now paying it forward. His dream is to work in a setting where “I can help disabled people reach their goals and dreams,” said the 26 year old who is so passionate about the issue he is developing a program to help disabled people get jobs.

“I have heard employers say they don’t hire disabled people because it’s too difficult to provide accommodations for them. I want to teach disabled people how to negotiate for those accommodations so that employers are more likely to hire them,” he said. Mazuchowski is shopping the idea around to get funding for the program. “Only 44% of disabled people are employed. I want to teach them that there are jobs out there for them but they have to fight for their rights,” he said.