Kerragan Bachman
The Hawk-Eye
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (or IDPD) is recognized on Dec. 3, 2024. This day promotes the equality of those with disabilities. IDPD is meant to reduce the stigma surrounding disabilities by promoting their rights and well-being.
Most disabilities fall under a broad spectrum. Not all disabilities are visible which makes acknowledging them vital. Although there are many categories of disabilities, it is respectful to not assume what disability one has or if one has a disability.
Respect toward those with disabilities is relevant everywhere, including here at Hiawatha High School. High school can be a challenge for all students; however, it is understood that there could be additional challenges for those with disabilities, due to the lack of knowledge and understanding from peers and teachers.
HHS sophomore Hope Rodriguez said that those working to be better allies to those with disabilities should try “to have patience and be understanding.”
“I do comprehend what you are saying, it just takes me a moment to type it all down or my para to translate,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez described how her disability has helped shape her identity. “It has given me a better outlook on life. It makes me try harder to prove people wrong,” Rodriguez said. She does not want to be defined by her disability and she defies all the odds to prove people wrong. Her peers, especially teachers notice this in her.
“Hope is always cheerful. She is quick to laugh and if I meet her in the hall, she always waves,” said HHS World History and Economics Teacher Linda Miller. “She is a delightful student to have in class and does all her work on time and done right.”
According to AAMC.org, it is harmful to categorize those with disabilities in a binary way. An example of binary categorization in a school setting could look like treating all people who have disabilities the same or assuming that one who is in a wheelchair and has significant physical limitations is cognitively impaired. Furthermore, such categorizations can be hurtful to individuals with disabilities as they reinforce the stigma surrounding disabilities. Individuals should still be aware of the level of severity of disabilities to better understand their peers. Always respect the dignity of one who has a disability as it is essential to their well-being, especially in a school setting.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day to raise awareness and debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding disabilities. Despite it being only one day of awareness, it is important to be mindful and considerate when it comes to how you treat those with disabilities all the time. Individuals with disabilities deserve to be treated with dignity and kindness as they are human beings. Ask yourself this question: what can you do to be a better ally to someone with a disability?
