This month, LBCC has been encouraging us to increase our understanding of disability. The CDC defines disability as “any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).”
Some people with disabilities or differences are very visible: low/no vision persons using a cane or guide dog, or people using wheelchairs for mobility. Other disabilities, including learning differences, autism, low hearing, and chronic physical and mental illnesses aren’t necessarily apparent. It’s estimated that 20% of all community college students have some type of disability.
Stereotyping, discrimination and closed doors can be as limiting as the disability itself. For example, persons with low hearing may be perceived as rude or standoffish by others, who are unaware the person is missing conversations or are avoiding situations when they can’t fully participate. Many adults with low hearing have learned to smile and nod when they’ve missed what you’ve said. They avoid dining out in raucous restaurants and skip group gatherings. They may have learned to lip read, but that doesn’t help if the speaker is chewing gum or turning their head away. If they are late diagnosed or not wearing a visible hearing aid, it’s unlikely others will know they aren’t hearing. The social effects can be profound and can cause severe anxiety. This short video sweetly illustrates the troubles that ensue when we assume what’s easy for us is easy for others.
Persons with highly visible differences face other challenges. Most common is being seen solely via their disability rather than as a whole, complex human. There is a burden to being seen as heroic or brave just for showing up in life, or being treated like a child because you live in a body different from the norm.
If you have a disability that impacts your education or your job at LBCC, the Accessibility Resource center can talk with you about accommodations to help.
If you are a student with disabilities, we want your help! We want to start a LB chapter of Dream, a national student advocacy group.
You can view the LBCC Accessibility Resources department website here.