Opportunities for Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

 By Mary Collins 

Lucy Ouimette knows how important it is for those with disabilities to be included.  

Her 18-year-old sister with Down Syndrome is involved in the Special Olympics, a dance studio and the Miss Amazing pageant where she dresses up and showcases talent and a speech. 

“She likes to be treated like everyone else, and she can tell when people aren't,” said Ouimette, a Stonehill Junior. “She is so smart,” 

 People with disabilities make up 25% of the U.S. population, according to a study by Zoe Beketova, a post graduate fellow in the Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine.  

The Centers for Disease Control said, raising awareness is essential for those with disabilities “safety and well-being.” 

The CDC has invested in disability and health programs that improve health outcomes for people with disabilities that have reached 3.2 million people worldwide.  

Robin Goldberg, worked in public schools before becoming the director of the Communication and Science disorders program at Stonehill College, and said “these are human beings with real issues.” 

Goldberg said she would integrate speech practice “in the context of circle time, reading group or story writing,” with students who have speech difficulties or disorders. 

Goldberg said this helped students practice their speech, and it also allowed other students in the classroom to watch the learning happen. 

Meredith Faletra, Education Cooperative School program director for students with special needs and complex disabilities in Walpole, Massachusetts, said she hosts a wide range of school events such as a Valentines Dance and a visit from Santa Claus.  

Faletra said she works to find ways to help students be included in the community such as teaching students how to order at Dunkin’ or sit at a basketball game.  

Faletra said this is personally because her 47-year-old brother has special needs. She said her brother enjoyed going to Petco to bring the dogs food and now the aisles are no longer accessible. 

 “That’s frustrating in this world,” said Faletra.  

Faletra said opportunities aren't as available once those with disabilities turn 22, an age when many services end, so it's important to help them develop skills early. 

The House of Possibilities in Easton offers community engagement, social activities, and guidance towards college and employment for adults and children with disabilities. The Stonehill College Women's Lacrosse team hosted a clinic for their members as a social and inclusive event.  

“It was a great opportunity to connect with members of the community,” and “it felt like we made a true impact on members of the Hope House,” Sophomore Valerie Beigel, who volunteered at the clinic, said.