Photo by Uele Boxill
First-year music technology major Andy Willmore, 23, has been inspired by the community on campus to start a group for students with disabilities.
“The idea there was to have a gathering place for discussion and for meeting others who are disabled, or with disabilities, and have a group come together under that umbrella,” said Willmore.
Willmore was inspired by the discussion of discrimination on campus after a racial slur had been placed on a student’s door.
At an open forum following the incident, many students voiced their opinion on the topic of racial injustice and other injustices that take place at Capital. Willmore stood up for the topic of discrimination of students with disabilities and stated that there should be a place where everyone can feel comfortable.
“Whether it’s coming together to advocate for something on campus, policy changes, [or to] educate and raise awareness for different disabilities, it’s just making a safe space,” said Willmore.
The issue of ableism hits home with Willmore, since he is autistic. He also has a history of working with non-profit organizations that had deep roots in disability issues. It was working with the disabled community that inspired him to create this group.
Willmore hopes to work with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and Disabilities Services to see his idea through. Currently, he is in the process of working with the disability service director, Jennifer Speakman, and the ODI director, Almar Walter, to raise interest among students at Capital.
“Finding common ground is hard on many levels, but there is a lot of progress to be made,” said Willmore.
This potential organization will most likely become realized next fall. Willmore hopes to work closely with the ODI next semester during the week in diversity to the gain interest within the student body. Willmore then plans to have more activities geared towards students with disabilities issues.
