BYU students hosted a disabilities panel on March 12 aimed at addressing inquiries about disabilities and fostering a more inclusive environment among students and staff.
During the panel, each student provided insights into their personal experiences living with their respective disabilities, followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
Dallin Gardner, an accounting student who is hard-of-hearing, shed light on the challenges he faces, such as difficulty understanding conversations when multiple people are speaking simultaneously or not facing him directly. He emphasized the significance of making eye contact and appreciates when classmates check in with him during group projects.
Gardner also provided etiquette tips for interacting with individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, highlighting the importance of enunciation and clear speech rather than solely relying on speaking louder.
When discussing the panelists’ experiences with requesting accommodations, Natalie Daines, a statistics student with ARFID and autism, acknowledged feeling hesitant or self-conscious at times, particularly when voicing preferences regarding environmental factors like noise levels or food options.
Jacob Reeves, a senior in the accounting program who is legally blind, emphasized the importance of proactive communication and accommodation, citing instances where thoughtful gestures from professors, like arranging for additional assistance during class, greatly facilitated his learning experience.
Wills Cole, a student with a spinal cord injury, stressed the significance of accessibility and advocated for a proactive approach in offering assistance when needed.
Reflecting on life lessons learned from their disabilities, panelists highlighted virtues such as patience, empathy, and self-awareness. They also underscored the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding within the BYU community.
