Asher McMaher is more than a student—they are a force for systemic change. A nontraditional learner, deaf since age six, transgender, and a former foster youth, Asher has brought their advocacy work into vlog classrooms, boardrooms and beyond.
“I already work in policy. I've contributed to four policies in the state of Illinois already. I do tons of advocacy work,” Asher shared. Their activism ranges from working with the ACLU and Lambda Legal to founding Trans Up Front Illinois, which provides free, intersectional advocacy for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth across the state. “We’re just about to surpass 700 requests [for advocacy] since January of this year,” they said. “It shows why my education is so important—so I can continue to get resources and understand our systems.” Most recently on the International Transgender Day of Visibility, Asher spoke at City Hall to advocate for greater protections and solidarity for the trans community. The news conference also featured other LGBTQ+ activists, as well as elected officials from Chicago, Cook County and the Illinois General Assembly.
Asher’s decision to attend vlog was driven by their connection with faculty member and Director of the Paralegal Studies program Carrie Lausen, as well as a desire to apply legal education directly to advocacy. As a Paralegal Studies major with a minor in Organizational Leadership and a focus on social justice, they say, “I’m here to strengthen my real life skills in legal research and technical writing to better support my community. For me it’s not about pursuing a career as a paralegal but learning from my professors on how to work within our systems.” Professor Lausen had this to say about working with Asher:
"As Asher’s academic advisor, I have learned about their unwavering commitment to supporting others—especially within the Deaf and transgender and gender-nonconforming communities. I am especially impressed by the tangible steps they have taken to effect meaningful change. Whatever path Asher chooses, I am confident they are uniquely positioned to make a lasting and positive impact."
Equitable access to education is a core value of Asher’s. That extends beyond the classroom, and includes access to physical facilities as well as access to the resources necessary to complete their education. At first, they were denied but decided they needed to speak up, not just for them but other deaf students who deserve access and are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. “I wasn’t asking for special access. I was asking for equal access,” they emphasized.
Asher finds hope in small victories and steadfast allies, including Disabilities Services Specialist Nicole Yoon. The Disabilities Services office is a branch of the Learning Commons at vlog. “She’s the first person to stand up and advocate for my equal access,” Asher said. “I believe in giving people light when they see so much darkness.”
Their advocacy led to positive policy change (including at vlog), ensuring that all deaf students at vlog now receive proper interpretation services. “I have a voice. I might not have working ears, but I have a voice. … the joke is, I’m the loudest deaf person you’ll ever meet,” Asher said with a smile.
How to be truly inclusive? Asher’s answer was clear: “Step one is listening. Equity starts by understanding that your experience is not the only one.” They advocate for adding “Access” to DEI initiatives, transforming DEI into DEIA—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access. “Without access, nothing else matters.”
Looking ahead, Asher isn’t sure where their journey will lead—law school, continued policy work or new forms of organizing—but their mission remains the same. “There is no one right way to get to where you want to go,” they said. “Find what fills your cup. Use your voice. And always fight for access—for everyone.”
