At the end of last year, I job shadowed these two ladies from an organization called ‘Able SC’. The mission of Able SC is to “to create greater access and opportunities for independence through empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting community inclusion.” They push advocacy and independent living for individuals with disabilities. We were at a middle school with 6th graders and the lady that I was with, Ms. P was teaching them about their accommodations. They were a little fired up, the whole time. But I asked Ms. P could I speak to them. I gave them the low down on how things progress as you move forward in school with your accommodations. I told them that they have to learn them and make sure they’re met on their own. Their parents, teachers, or whomever won’t be there to do it, especially once they enter college. As I spoke, I had their full attention and it made me feel like they were really listening and that I was making an impact. It was in that moment that I knew this is what I wanted to do.
A month or so later, I started my internship so I’m able to start my position as an EQUIP Leader. As an EQUIP Leader, I’ll be able to interact with other individuals with disabilities, network, learn new ways to advocate for myself, attend different conferences, meet new people and so much more. The need for wanting to do this has honestly been because of my time at Lander University. I’ve had to speak up multiple times on things around campus that just wasn’t accessible enough for me. Each time that I did, it made me think, “what other individual has had this same problem and was too afraid to speak up or who to talk to” 🧐 I want to change that and it feels good to know that I’m in the process of doing so.
Today, I went to the Columbia office of Able SC for my orientation and after learning about all their resources and opportunities, I realized it was something I never knew I needed. Growing up with my grandparents, they didn’t know how to look into the different resources that would help me for the days like these or if they tried, they weren’t guided in the right direction. I have to admit that it wasn’t until the past few years that I really had to learn to humble myself.
Besides, riding the handicap buses, resource classes, and attending my appointments at Shriner’s Hospital, I never really was around other disabled kids. I was always around able-bodied kids, and in the back of my mind, it made me feel like I was better than the other disabled kids. I believe it was my insecurities. The fact that I was accepted by normal kids made me feel special and not as singled out. It was almost as if I was embarrassed by the friends I did have that were disabled. As I got older, I had to give myself a reality check. Although, I still have my insecurities, I am starting to learn how to feel more comfortable within my disabled body. I am starting to appreciate all my friends, both able-bodied and disabled ones.
I say all this with the point of excitement I have with my new job. Words can’t explain how excited and anxious I am to see what kind of path I’m able to take. What kind of change I’ll be able to create and what kind of influence I’ll have.
#stillRising
#stillRising 