Recently, there’s been an increase in non-disabled students using the elevators to get to class. As a student who relies on these elevators to get around school, this practice is unfair. Students who aren’t disabled should not use elevators unless they’re injured.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all schools and buildings to provide elevator access to people with disabilities. Besides the law, every single person who is disabled should get elevator access because they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
Roosevelt is a place where people need to take care of each other, and especially respect the needs of the students who have trouble walking. Students like myself have encountered people at this school who don’t respect our right to use the elevator.
Everyone who is disabled should be treated like human beings. We cry, we hurt, and we mourn, just like every single person on this planet. With time, I believe that this school can be a better place for those who have disabilities.
Another issue that people with disabilities face is the size of the desks at Roosevelt. The size of the desk can depend on how much help they need to participate in classes. If a student needs a lot of help, their desk should be bigger and wider. It is difficult for students to participate in class if they do not have the right size desk.
In addition to the desks, students with disabilities need help with many things. For example, disabled students often need an instructional assistant to help them do their work. They need help with schoolwork, using the restroom, and many other activities during the day at school.
Many students with disabilities need assistance with classes like math or science. With this in mind, we have to make sure that students have assistance with activities they have difficulty with.
Additionally, making friends is difficult for students with disabilities. As a student who can’t physically move, it’s difficult to find people to talk to. Luckily, there’s a program at Roosevelt called Best Buddies. In Best Buddies, students with disabilities meet people without disabilities and form long lasting friendships. The program is a great opportunity for non-disabled students to support their disabled peers. If you’re a non-disabled student at Roosevelt, remember: a simple hello can make a huge impact.
Roosevelt could become an even more inclusive space, especially for students with disabilities, if non-disabled students practice empathy and compassion. Nick Vujcic, an Australian-American evangelist without limbs says, “I am officially disabled, but I’m truly enabled because of my limbs. My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need.” Please reach out to those who are disabled and in need of a friend today, tomorrow, and forever.
