MDC STUDENTS GET A TASTE OF REALITY AT THE 2ND ANNUAL“WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES” DAY
~To Educate, Enlighten and Promote Diversity~
MIAMI, October 18, 2007 – Yasinia Martinez, 20, joined dozens of Miami Dade College (MDC) North Campus students who wore blindfolds and sat in wheelchairs to gain first-hand experience about what it’s like to have a physical challenge at MDC’s second annual “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” day.
“I had a sense of what it must feel like [to have a disability] everyday and it was very stressful. I felt like I didn’t have control,” said Martinez, an education major.
October is National Disability month. To help raise awareness, MDC’s North Campus held the all-day event at the breezeway of the Student Life Building. It was also an opportunity to praise those who have overcome their challenges to successfully engage themselves in all aspects of the community.
Jose Izquierdo was born a diabetic and began gradually losing his sight twelve years ago when he was studying theater production. Today, his visual perception has been reduced to seeing only fuzzy silhouettes with some color from one eye. Even with his impairment, the 33-year-old completed an Associate in Arts at MDC and now helps other students with disabilities as a technology specialist with the ACCESS (A Comprehensive Center for Exceptional Student Services) department at the College.
“This is what I do now, and I love it,” said Izquierdo. “I have the opportunity to help students with disabilities reach their goals.”
Izquierdo talked about several computer programs designed for people with visual and learning disabilities. As he demonstrated how a document could be scanned and then read out loud by the computer, student Isaac Jenkins used a head pointer, worn as a hat, to access the keyboard from his motorized chair.
“We continue to be proud of the diversity of our North Campus community and “Walk a Mile in My Shoes Day” is a perfect example of promoting that diversity, the success of our students, and their determination to accomplish their goals no matter what challenges may exist,” said North Campus President Dr. José A. Vicente.
The North Campus Abilities Unlimited Student Organization and the Student Government Association hosted the event. Keith Hartgrove, president of Abilities Unlimited, is convinced of the value of this kind of presentation.
“Events like this help to focus campus attention on students with disabilities and on what we can do, rather than on looking at what we cannot do,” said Hartgrove, who is working toward a bachelor’s degree in education at MDC. “Somehow, we must help people get to know us better.”
“Walk a Mile in my Shoes” day was presented in conjunction with Wellness Day celebrations throughout the campus. Students, staff and the public, both able and disabled, were urged to participate in the Wellness Day Sculpture Park Boot Camp, a trek on winding paths throughout the campus with several stop stations featuring different exercise activities.
“I’m delighted with the turnout,” said Sandy Schultz, MDC professor of biology and wellness, who helped organize the boot camp.
Media contacts: Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710 sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, Beverly Counts Rodrigues, MDC director of media relations 305-237-3949 brodrigu@mdc.edu or Juan C. Mendieta, MDC director of communications 305-237-7611 jmendiet@mdc.edu.