To be accepted by the world is a wonderful thing.
It doesn’t matter who you are, the need to be accepted by someone tends to mean more to most than society probably wants to admit.
When a person has a disability, the whole acceptance piece can be hard.
I think the biggest problem society has when it comes to accepting people with disabilities into certain circles is because of the lack of awareness. If you don’t have a family member, work or have friends with disabilities, there’s a strong possibility that the stereotypes of our culture might have clouded your brain into thinking that we’re not able to take on meaningful relationships.
Like the rap group Public Enemy say, Don’t Believe the Hype!
People with disabilities have very meaningful relationships and some are just waiting for others to welcome them into their fold wholeheartedly.
To pledge to a fraternity or sorority while attending college is a big life event for some. If accepted into the brother or sisterhood can mean that you could have a band of brothers or sisters to have in your life forever. To say this is a big deal for some is an understatement.
When Charles McGee, a young man who has down syndrome, began Clemson University’s Clemson LIFE Program. All he thought about was being a part of a fraternity. For Charles, joining a fraternity would fulfill his dream of living out the full college experience.
Phi Kappa Alpha, the fraternity Charles had set his mind on pledging admitted at first, some of the members had doubts about Charles becoming a member of the fraternity because of his disability. Again, assumptions relating to the disability population can really stop people from learning how cool we are and what we have to offer to any group. I know what I’m talking about. Have you ever hung out with me? I’m a boatload of fun and am very knowledgeable if I do say so myself. I can also vouch for many of my friends with disabilities. They’re just as cool and knowledgeable as I am.
You’ll never know this about people with disabilities unless you open your heart and let us in and that’s exactly what Phi Kappa Alpha did. Phi Kappa Alpha accepted Charles into their fold and he’s now a member of the fraternity. Charles’s is now a part of a huge brotherhood. The fraternity says that it was one of the best decisions it has ever made.
Other fraternities and sororities have followed suit by accepting other people from the Clemson LIFE Program into their brother and sisterhood.
If you ask me, this is the way the world should work. Acceptance of other cultures, creeds, disabilities, etc., would help make the world a better place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62xj1BohQKM
I agree Shari ! If people/society just took the time to understand visible and invisible disabilities this world would be a better place. There would be less social stigma. In the long run that will make a huge difference
great article and the video brought tears to my eyes.
that was lovely and a great reminder thank you!!
Matthew, Dawn and Christine!
Thanks for the wonderful comments!