The “Not a bit of Difference,” club leaves students feeling empowered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Hannah Smith

Staff Writer

Student McKayla Dias said the Not a Bit of Difference club at Hudson Valley has reaffirmed her philosophy that she doesn’t need to let a wheelchair hold her back.

Dias, a health information technology major who also works in Admissions as a tour guide of the campus, has been attending the club since August 2017 and has returned this semester hoping to spread awareness and compassion for people with disabilities.

Fellow student Tara Parker, a major in automotive technology, said she was encouraged by meeting and understanding others who overcome their limitations, and that it was a “relief to have the support” of the group.

Not a Bit of Difference strives to integrate students with disabilities into the student body. Many of the group’s activities attack ignorance toward people with limitations, and attendees see the group itself as a tool against stigma.

Annie Petersen, the club adviser and a 2 and a-half year employee at the Center for Assistance, stressed that real people with disabilities don’t adhere to a stereotype; while some may think of them as inherently different from the rest of society, a disability is nothing more than a limitation. She said that Not a Bit of Difference is “a club you can join at any time,” as the world is not divided between those born disabled and those who aren’t – some become disabled through accidents or disease, and some develop limiting disorders over time.

Petersen expressed excitement toward a new year of helping students with disabilities unite and feel they belong. She began serving as the group adviser in 2017 with hopes of helping the students she meets through her position as coordinator of accessibility to become more engaged on campus. She and Andrea Petley, a student who assists with the group’s advisement, reach out to every student involved with the Center for Accessibility via email to inform them of the club and offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers.

Dias said she is glad to see more people in the group than she did last year and believes this will provide a larger base for support and socialization while helping them to better raise awareness of different disabilities.

The Race Away Stigma fundraiser has been rescheduled for October 20 after low turnout at its original September date. Proceeds will go to benefit the group and help them further raise awareness.

Many club members have volunteered to help with bake sales in the coming months, and tentative plans have been made to book a restaurant over the holiday season for a percentage of profits to go to the club treasury.

The group held its first meeting of the semester at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Ten students attended. Members discussed officer elections and other possible fundraisers, and made plans to engage in outings similar to last year’s trips to the theater and Bronx Zoo.

Meetings will continue for the remainder of the semester at 2 p.m. Tuesdays in Admin 105. All are welcome to attend