Thread by @_HannahHeath

I wanted to share something with you all. Get ready for a cool disability awareness thread:

As some of you may know, I am a college student and also disabled. Those two combinations make tackling educational goals very difficult. (1/?)

It took me 5 years to complete my junior college education. During that time, I worked as a Writing Consultant and Supplemental Instruction Leader. I naturally leaned towards working with disabled students because I saw they weren't getting the support they needed. (2/?)

In fact, not only were *they* not getting the support they needed, but there were times when *I* got lost/pushed to the side and had to fight to advocate for my needs. (3/?)

So, at the end of my 5 years, I wrote a letter. I detailed many of the disparities I'd seen and/or experiences while at the school. My community college is incredible, yet the list was long. (4/?)

And, honestly, some of the disparities baffled me. How had nobody mentioned them before? I almost didn't send the letter. I thought, if this many disparities exist in a fairly progressive school, what would one voice matter? Nobody was going to listen. (5/?)

After struggling with the letter for a while, I sent it. And I waited.

I did not hear back. (6/?)

And then, two weeks later, I ran into one of my bosses (the head of the Writing Center). She said she'd read the letter, and that she was implementing some of the changes I had suggested.

I had not sent the letter directly to her. Apparently, the letter was circulating (7/?).

And then, today, I received communication from my other boss (the head of the Supplemental Instruction program). She said that not only was she implementing changes, but that other programs within the college were doing so as well. (8/?)

I am floored. A single letter made a massive positive impact on how disabled students will be treated and accommodated at this college.

When I think about my time at my college, all of the struggle, all of the disparities I witnessed that broke my heart, I am humbled. (9/?)

Humbled that I almost didn't send the letter. Humbled by all of the students I worked with who inspired me to step forward. Humbled that people listened when I decided to speak up. (10/?)

I know that many of us have seen or experienced inequalities and disparities. It's heartbreaking. Sometimes you feel like it's out of your control. You get sad, or angry, or confused.

And sometimes you're afraid to speak up.

It's important to say something anyway. (11/?)

Speak up kindly, logically, and passionately. You never know who's listening. And you never know who will be positively impacted by your actions.

Be bold. Be brave.

Be an advocate. (12/12).