Recently, I was asked to be a speaker for three different events within the Cleveland State University Engineering Department. Each of these events was similar but slightly different in its own way. With all three events, I was asked to speak on my personal experience with living with a disability. I always feel very honored when asked to speak on this. Out of everyone doing amazing things in the disability world, I was asked. It’s very humbling. And a bit scary too.
The first event was in-person, solely speaking on my experience as a wheelchair user. I joined three other (amazing) humans on a panel to discuss our disability stories, assistive technology, barriers we face, and things we would like future engineers to know when designing anything. We had different disabilities and different stories, experiences, and needs. I often get inspired by hearing others’ stories and how they overcome obstacles.
After a panel Q&A we split up into small groups, with the panelists rotating tables after 20 minutes or so. During this time, students were able to ask more specific questions related to their program of study and the panelist’s disability type. Collaborating with future engineers always fills me with hope and optimism that universal design will be commonplace someday in the (hopefully near) future.
Wouldn't that be something?
The second event was also an in-person event, but this time, I was co-hosting a little workshop-type seminar. The first part was me giving a keynote speech about my story, how I became the President of the United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio, the many programs we have, and my work as a Program Manager for the SCI Model Systems Grant at MetroHealth Medical System. This workshop centered around how to work with people with disabilities, barriers we have with current designs for buildings and other structures, and how inclusivity includes more than wheelchair users.
I was probably the most nervous for this second event, but it was also the one that filled me with most joy afterwards. Isn’t that amazing how that happens? Challenge yourself slightly outside your comfort zone and the growth and joy is there.
It was really interesting to hear these graduate students immediately start problem-solving to find a solution. One that stood out in my mind was a student posing the question: “What if being an able-bodied person was the minority, and a disability was the “standard,” how would our world look?” What a profound question, and my initial thought was 2 words (you’ve read them already): “universal design.”
Could you imagine?
The third event was over Zoom and something I had never been part of before. This time, I was joined by two other wheelchair users (one from the first panel) to speak to prospective Cleveland State University students about the collaboration that happens between Cleveland State University programs and community members.
The push to collaborate with community members is starting to become a real trend in the research/academic world, and I am living for it. The conversations that could come out of these collaborations, in my opinion, can only lead to more understanding of how we (as a disabled community in general) live and function and just how much of our world is not made for us. The more we can learn to understand each other, the more compassion and empathy we can cultivate.
As I stated in the beginning, I am very humbled when asked to be part of panels and speaking events. My passion in life is learning how others operate. And opportunities such as these allow me to live in my passion. I absolutely love seeing the collaboration that happens and then what sparks from those collaborations. I would love to hear from the community: What do you wish engineers knew when designing products for anyone with a disability?
Let me know what your thoughts in the comments below this post, e-mail me (thewheellifeblog@gmail.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (IG/TW/TT @megs_hammond). If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know! I can’t do this without YOU, so I would love to connect!
Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity, and self-care going! Until next time, live honestly, passionately, and with kindness! Take care!
CONGRATULATIONS on your recent marriage!
Thank you so much!