As a mother of two children with disabilities, Morgan Cacic, the College’s new Access and Accommodations Specialist, knows how important it is to provide support for people with disabilities. Her journey to this role was complex, yet rewarding.

"During the five years of my doctoral program in German literature at UW-Madison, both of my kids were diagnosed with disabilities, as was I,” Cacic said. “As things evolved over the years, I switched research departments to Disability Studies and became a disability advocate on campus and in the Madison community.”

While in graduate school, the Portage native requested and used academic accommodations herself, and said the experience was empowering for her. She wanted wanted to be able to give that sort of support to students in return.

“We are in a really exciting time where disabilities, and in particular invisible disabilities, are becoming more visible and talked about,” Cacic said. “I hope this continues in higher education and everywhere else.”

Cacic said the accommodating atmosphere, flexibility, and diversity at Blackhawk drew her in as it’s not something you can find everywhere.

Cacic’s family is the inspiration for her work. She has two children, a 4-year old son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autism, and a 6-year-old daughter with Type 1 diabetes. She enjoys playing with her children outside, craft, and bake together. She also have two cats, Mochas and Cow. She also writes inclusive children’s books and novels.