Meet Jeffrey Yueh!

by Eva Wu

Meet Jeffrey Yueh!

MEwD VP Social

Jeffrey is currently in his third year of Computer Engineering and Society. He has always been interested in the intersection between technology and human behaviour, particularly how systems, interfaces, and AI can be designed to better support people.

Engineering gives him a strong technical foundation in topics such as software, hardware, and systems, while psychology allows him to better understand cognition, perception, abnormal psychology, and human interaction.

Outside of academics, he enjoys gaming (board games and PC/mobile!), cooking, robotics, spending time with friends, participating in clubs, helping out in his community, and taking walks or spending time outdoors.

Within MEwD, Jeffrey’s role involves planning events in coordination his Co-VP Social. These events include pet visits from therapy dogs, study sessions, collaborations with other clubs, and much more. He was motivated to join MEwD because he has always valued inclusive design and equitable access to education, and wanted to be part of a community that actively works to help reduce barriers for students.

The most meaningful aspects of his experience on MEwD include: Directly supporting events and helping provide the student body with opportunities to take their minds off midterm and exam stress, Seeing the direct impact that advocacy and outreach can have on student accessibility, and Being part of conversations that help promote awareness and change.

From his experience, there are numerous resources available to students with disabilities at McMaster that play an important role in supporting academic success and well-being:

Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Academic accommodations (extra time on assessments, alternate formats, note-taking support, and more!), and Assistive technology and learning tools.

Accessible learning tools: Lecture recordings, Captioning, Digital notetaking, and Receiving lecture notes ahead of time.

Peer support networks and clubs: Provide a community, shared experiences, and advocacy opportunities, Offer a break from constant coursework and projects, and Build connections and support while navigating a degree.

Faculty support: Professors who are flexible and open to discussing accommodations.

Jeffery’s experience with accessibility and supporting those with disabilities at McMaster has made him more intentional in how he approaches his studies. Knowing that there is support and advocacy available through SAS has encouraged him to plan ahead, manage his workload more effectively, and communicate his needs to teaching staff clearly at the beginning of the course.

It has also influenced how he approaches problem-solving and design. In particular, he now places an emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility when developing solutions and makes a conscious effort to consider a wider range of user needs in final engineering project designs.

Jeffrey’s Advice;

For students with disabilities navigating university, his main advice is to be proactive in seeking support.

A major difference he has noticed in transitioning from high school to university is that, in high school, administration or the special education department often takes the initiative to reach out. In university, students are expected to reach out themselves to accessibility services and professors to set up accommodations.

Taking advantage of available resources can make a significant difference in both academic success and overall well-being.

For example:

Seek Support Early: Register with Student Accessibility Services or meet with them if you think accommodations may be beneficial. Don’t be scared to advocate for your needs.

Get Involved: Clubs and teams can help provide a sense of community and purpose and allow you to make contributions toward meaningful change for future students.

Build a Support System: Connect with peers, mentors, and student organizations to seek advice and learn how others are navigating similar challenges.

Stay Organized and Proactive: Plan ahead for deadlines and accommodations. Make a calendar!!