When was the last time you interacted with someone with disabilities outside of the classroom?
This doesn't mean opening the door, saying hi, etc., but a genuine interaction.
It was probably either a long time ago when you were forced or had no choice to interact.
There's a social divide that exists between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers, and that's what I want to bring to light.
- Part of how this social divide is created and sustained is through an "us versus them" mentality
- This mentality reflects a superiority versus inferiority mindset. There's a subtle belief that non-disabled individuals are superior to their disabled counterparts.
- If we work to eradicate this mentality, it, in turn, has the capability to provide more opportunities to learn from different experiences and perspectives of your disabled peers.
In a recent research study I did, when asked whether or not fear of social exclusion affected their participation in on-campus clubs and activities, the responses I received demonstrated this social divide. Out of 20 students with disabilities that were surveyed, 17 indicated that their fear of social exclusion deterred them from participating in on-campus clubs and extracurricular activities. Only 3 of those students surveyed indicated that their fear of social exclusion didn't affect their participation in these types of social activities and opportunities.
Social issues are generally disregarded in favor of environmental issues/barriers. For example, here on UCF's campus, Student Accessibility Services is required to only address access issues within academic settings.
But the issues I'm talking about here aren't confined to the four walls of the classroom. We are supported in the classroom for learning opportunities, but when we leave the classroom, the playing field is no longer level.
In order to level the playing field, something needs to be done.
I'm calling on everyone to begin combating any hesitancy you might feel and begin making this campus more inclusive for everyone.
Whatever organization you are a part of, try to actively include those with disabilities who happen to be members. For example, plan activities that are inclusive of those with disabilities so that they can partake in the activity too. If members are doing activities or engaging in social situations outside of the organization, invite members with disabilities to join.
Even if you were never exposed to a person with a disability, you can change your perspective, educate yourself, and expand your horizons.
You may be asking yourself how?
- Have genuine conversations with your peers with disabilities
- Don't let hesitancy rule you
- If you let that hesitancy "rule" you, you're never going to expand your horizons in terms of interacting with your disabled peers.
- Find out what produces your hesitancy. Where's it coming from?
- Is it media?
- Is it society?
- The people you surround yourself with?
- Ignorance?
- General discomfort?
- Lastly, I invite you to have a genuine conversation with me! I'm not a spokesperson for people with disabilities, but I can certainly answer any general questions you may have, seeing as each individual situation varies.
- Remember: People with disabilities don't exist to make you feel sympathy for them, and your interaction with them shouldn't be motivated by trying to make yourself feel like a good person just because you talked to them. That's what I mean by genuine conversation.
College is a time to figure out who you want to become. Who do you want to become? How do you want to stand out from the crowd?
I am Morgan. I am not my disability. Who are you?