One of the earliest lessons we learn in life is “The Golden Rule”. Treat others the way you want to be treated. As a child, this lesson is simple. As an adult, while the concept is the same, it tends to be harder to execute. At times we’re not sure how people want to be treated. People who are different tend to make us uncomfortable, therefore we shy away from them. Why is that?
Tamara Massey has been the program manager at the Center for Disability Services for twenty years and she suspects that people avoid disabilities because they have a fear of the unknown. Bobby Sneed also works at the Center for Disability Services as an assistant to the assistive technology supervisor, he believes that being unfamiliar with a new situation is what drives people away from learning about a person rather than their disability. According to the 2012 census, one in five people in the United States has a disability. The attitudes and astounding numbers are what built the foundation for White Cane Day.
White Cane Day was held at Taylor Center 147 on September 27th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. It was a day that celebrated the independence and success of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Bobby Sneed has a special place in his heart for this day because he is visually impaired, but he doesn’t let that stop him. Mr. Sneed keeps his positive attitude no matter the situation. At one point in his life he did have 20/20 vision, but that doesn’t get him down he says, “I consider my blindness as an obstacle, not my disability […] it’s just like everyone else’s life. We all have obstacles whether we’re disabled or not”.
Massey and Sneed both were ecstatic that students were able to attend and learn about how simple everyday tasks affect a person with disabilities. Massey says “What really made this successful was the fact that [students] enjoyed the event and learned something!” Sneed had one final piece that he hoped people took away from this experience. He wants students to be reminded that, “As long as you can take a breath, you can take a chance”. So take a chance. The Center for Disability Services will be having future events similar to White Cane Day. Be sure you don’t miss out!
By Deanna Chavez
