KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (TVC) — The Access in Action Award is an honor given to disability advocates at the University of Tennessee, and for the first time, a UT student has won it. 

UT senior Emily Detre received the award on April 1. She was nominated by her fellow Student Government Association senators. 

“It felt good to be recognized,” Detre said. 

Detre’s recognition comes from her involvement as a student government senator and as part of the FUTURE program at UT. 

As a student with a disability herself, Detre said she was inspired to become an advocate after seeing how she had been treated. 

“It’s pretty obvious when people treat me differently,” Detre said. “I may not say anything because I’m too nice, but it’s pretty obvious when you talk to me like I’m 2.” 

Detre shared a message she wants others to keep in mind. 

“I’m just like a human. You might have to explain things a little more to me, but you don’t have to talk to me like a baby.” 

As a graduating senior, Detre said the legacy she wants to leave behind is to help every student feel like they have a voice, including those with disabilities.