The result is "Here is the DEAL," a brand-new five-part podcast series where Lehigh students share their firsthand perspectives on navigating campus life, academics, and the built environment. Because you can't truly learn about disability just by listening to the "experts," you have to listen to the people living the experience. Join us over the coming weeks as our student hosts explore everything from food allergies and navigating dining halls to urban design, finding college resources, and managing the transition to university life with autism and ADHD.
Episode 1: Introduction to the DEAL Podcast
What is the disability experience at Lehigh University? In our premiere episode of "Here's the Deal," host Gianna Olinger sits down with Dr. Austin Duncan from the College of Health to discuss the inspiration behind this new student-led podcast series. Discover why it's so important to listen to disabled students in their own words, and get a sneak peek at the exciting topics our team will be covering this summer.
Watch the full interview now on the College of Health YouTube page!
Episode 2: Navigating College Resources
Navigating a university can be extremely confusing, especially for students with disabilities. In this episode, Dewanshu Verma breaks down the most critical resources Lehigh offers to help you succeed. From accessing mental health support and career services to finding the right internships and connecting with your professors, Dewanshu shares a comprehensive guide to maximizing your college experience.
Don't miss out on these essential tips—catch the latest episode on our YouTube channel! - Available July 13, 2026
Episode 3: Urban Design & Accessibility
Accessibility is about much more than just wheelchair ramps. How does the built environment impact our well-being? Host Gianna Olinger interviews Lehigh architecture professor Christina Jang about combining design theory with social justice. They discuss how lighting, sound, and texture affect people with different sensory needs, and explore incredible community-driven projects, like building a blue rammed-earth kitchen for a deaf immigrant community and conducting accessibility research right here in Bethlehem.
Learn how we can build more inclusive spaces by watching the full episode today! - Available July 20, 2026
Episode 4: The Deal with Allergies & Dining
Let's take a raw look at Lehigh Dining. For students with severe food allergies, dining on campus isn't about preference; it's about safety. Host Kayla Hammer takes us on a tour of Lehigh's dining ecosystem, including Rathbone, Brodhead, Hawk's Nest, and the UC, rating each location on transparency, optionality, and accessibility. Tune in to find out which spots pass the test, the challenges of finding safe food on the weekends, and practical fixes to make dining inclusive for everyone.
Watch the full review and share your own dining experiences with us! - Available July 27, 2026
Episode 5: Autism, ADHD, & The Freshman Experience
From freshman burnout to sophomore success. Transitioning to college is hard, but what happens when you're navigating it with undiagnosed neurodivergence? Host Rooster Demotte sits down with sophomore mechanical engineering student Osmar to discuss his journey with autism and ADHD at Lehigh. Osmar opens up about the struggles of his first year, taking a leave of absence to protect his mental health, and how receiving an official diagnosis and vital DSS accommodations (like extended testing time and a single room) completely saved his college career.
Hear Osmar's inspiring story and his advice for finding your community on campus. Watch now! - Available August 3, 2026
Disclaimer: The opinions, perspectives, and content expressed in this podcast are solely the creators' own intellectual property. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Lehigh University or the College of Health.
