Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Club
Reported by: Ashleigh Scheuneman
Photographed by: Imogene Eagan
George Fox University’s “Be Known” promise is making headway through the new Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Club (DAAC).
The DAAC strives to offer students a place to talk and learn about disabilities, as well as a space where people with disabilities can share and receive support.
Club President Christina Nase said, “The biggest purpose is to create awareness and to create a place for people to have a voice, as well as to normalize disabilities on George Fox campus.”
Club President Christina Nase photographed by Imogene Eagan
Nase offered several ways to stay up to date on club activities. One way is through following them on Instagram at @gfu.accessibility. Another is to join in on their Zoom calls that take place every other Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. The Zoom link is in the Daily Bruin.
“There’s been about six or seven of us so far, so we are really excited to have people join, especially people who are really interested in disabilities,” said Nase.
The club is also looking forward to having events to spread awareness and support.
“It’s important to have these events and have people come to learn about different resources that are available at George Fox, because not everyone understands the resources that are available, especially through the Disabilities Service Office,” said Nase.
Besides spreading awareness of disabilities and disability resources, Nase said the club is focused on creating an environment where people can speak about their own disabilities and hear from others who have had similar experiences.
“I think a lot of times, especially with the ‘Be Known’ promise of George Fox, a lot of people can sometimes feel nervous about sharing about their disabilities or not feel like they got an outlet in which to share about their disabilities,” said Nase. “It’s really important to understand how people can celebrate that. That’s a big thing we are trying to incorporate in our club, is trying to have an opportunity for people to celebrate their disabilities and to speak about it, to be open about it. That’s one reason why that’s really important, because not everyone gets that opportunity.”
The Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Club is open to everyone, and there are no requirements to join. Nase encourages all to attend if they are interested, and points out that many resources are available to people with disabilities in the Disability Services Office. Through both the club and the office, George Fox University is continuing to uphold the “Be Known” promise.