DISABILITY IN THE COLLEGE CLASSROOM

As a member of the Fayetteville community, I have the privilege of watching firsthand the impact 99 Balloons has on our community. Not only have our friends and family experiencing disability greatly benefited from the many programs offered by 99 Balloons, but I personally have grown because my perspective of disability has grown and changed. My life and my understanding of faith is more rich and full because of the relationships I share with individuals experiencing disability.

Although I am a mental health therapist and professor, I had never received training or education specific to the needs of individuals and families experiencing disability before my involvement with 99 Balloons. This is a huge gap in most helping profession training programs, including the one that I lead. I am so excited that is about to change! After collaborating with 99 Balloons we were able to add a course specific to the helping profession and disability. Beginning in the fall of 2021, students within the Family and Human Services Department at John Brown University will have the opportunity to take this course. It is my hope that my students will grow in their understanding and knowledge of disability, become more inclusive, and take the step to get involved in changing the story of disability!