KU student blends art, business and disability advocacy to expand access

For Elizabeth Jane Varelman, art is not just an avenue for creativity; it is a tool for advocacy. Now in the fourth year of her self-designed six-year graduation plan, she’s combining business management, the fine arts and disability studies to create a path focused on accessibility and impact. 

Originally from Topeka, she chose KU for its flexibility to explore a variety of programs and for its strong sense of community. The School of Business was Varelman’s first step in her journey. What stood out to her early on was not just the academics but the environment. The art found throughout Capitol Federal Hall fuel her motivation as she works toward her business management and leadership degree. 

As a sophomore, Varelman took ART 132 Foundations of Metalsmithing/Jewelry to complete a required elective credit and further develop her growing interest in art. The class’s technical nature challenged her limits and showed her how far she could go with her creativity. She discovered that metalsmithing and jewelry could be more than a hobby, becoming part of her career path.  

“Going through multiple programs has taught me a lot about myself, including how flexible I am,” said Varelman, whose interest in disability studies has shaped how she thinks about art, business and medicine. “I didn’t know I could be doing metalsmithing while listening to an accounting textbook and trying to figure out how the medical side integrates within the art community.” 

Her multidisciplinary background gives her an advantage to making a strategic impact. Varelman handcrafts mobility aids that combine functionality and creativity. She creates sterling silver pieces that can be seen, worn and felt. This venture challenges her precision and offers a creative medium that sets her work apart. 

“I've had multiple physical injuries of my own, and so using a wheelchair and crutches throughout different parts of my life really challenged the idea of beauty,” Varelman said. “Previously, I considered it to be a deficit like most of the general public, but really seeing the creativity in it and how I can make it my own and make myself stand out in a positive way.” 

Varelmans understanding of disability extends beyond her personal experiences. Growing up in a family dynamic where her parents, grandparents and other relatives have a disability proved to her that life continues with it. Outside her home, she encountered a different reality. 

“I experienced ableism very early on as a child with a parent who uses an electric wheelchair. I have had multiple interactions with peers and teachers communicating with me instead of my parent, as if she wasn’t next to me or couldn’t communicate on her own,” Varelman said. “I understood how the public saw my life and they saw it backwards. 

The exclusion and misunderstanding from childhood to now is the foundation of her advocacy.  

Her desire to break the stigma and grow her understanding of disability studies finalized her six-year plan. While KU didn't offer a dedicated program, the University of Kansas Medical Center provided outreach within the community. She added a specialty certification in leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (LEND). 

Her perspective on self-expression also opened the door to larger opportunities. Varelman was named the 2025 Kansas Jr. Miss Amazing, a program that empowers girls and women with disabilities to define their identities while growing confidence and community. She initially entered the pageant to share her nonprofit and connect with others.  

“I was very shocked when I ended up winning the 2025 Junior Miss Amazing crown,” Varelman said. “The opportunity was eye-opening about how important the impact of advocacy is.” 

She traveled to Chicago in July, where she met 40 women from across the U.S. with various disabilities. The experience expanded her network and deepened her understanding of advocacy. 

Varelman’s win and story was recognized by the Kansas State House of Representatives by Rep. Dan Osman. Her time at the Statehouse gave her a firsthand look at how policy decisions are made. 

“I always felt the legal sector, especially in the Kansas Statehouse, was very strict and policy-driven, something I was discouraged by,” Varelman said. “However, being at the Statehouse impacted my perspective on law as less intimidating.” 

Amii Castle, professor of the practice, was another influential person in Varelman’s introduction to law. During Varelman’s time in BLAW 310 Business Law with Castle, she developed a stronger interest in a legal path that would align with her long-term goals. 

With a growing understanding of policy and its national reach, Varelman added a pre-law track to complete her academic journey and further guide the impact she makes today with her foundation, Ability Artz. 

“I've been working on the Ability Artz Foundation for about three years now. It started out as just a gallery space that was accessible and had an accessible infrastructure for submitting and paneling art,” Varelman said. "Now it's really merged into a global organization to increase accessibility around the world through art.” 

Varelman grows her foundation at KU through The Catalyst, a three-stage program that provides resources for students to start their own business venture while growing their business knowledge and skills through real-world experience.  

“What brought me to The Catalyst program was the idea that change can be made, especially locally. Even though there is no one pushing for change within the disability community for arts and for accessibility, it is something that could be done,” Varelman said. 

The program allows her to personally define the values behind her foundation while receiving feedback and encouragement from peers. Her entrance to entrepreneurship has also provided community at the School of Business after years of feeling disconnected.  

Outside of business, Varelman creates change as the president of AbilityKU, a student-led disability rights group focused on creating community for students with disabilities and advocating for better accessibility on campus. 

“AbilityKU was a part of the construction for the Hawk Route, the reconstruction of the path from Sunnyside and Jayhawk Boulevard to create an accessible route,” Varelman said. “Taking on the reins of AbilityKU and bringing my spin on advocacy in the community has been life-changing for me.”

The future of AbilityKU remains uncertain as the organization currently does not have an advisor to sponsor it. Varelman is actively seeking a staff member to support the club in continuing to advocate for students and make a difference across campus. 

Her commitment to this work stems from her own experience encountering inaccessible desks, course materials and campus routes.  

“If the environment isn’t built for you, you don’t feel like you should be there,” Varelman said. “I want to make every higher education campus and every disability-centered space actually accessible to the people they are serving.” 

Varelman plans to go to law school after completing her six-year journey to further open doors of accessibility in higher education and beyond.  

“My end goal is to have a space for artists with disabilities to be able to comfortably advocate within an environment that is accommodated to them,” Varelman said. “I want to bring more awareness and disability pride within the global community,”