I recently participated as a panelist in 3 Disability Awareness Week (#DAW) events with students, parents, and educators at Walsh University. Since these were new events and a new setting for me, I did not know what to expect. What I did know however was that I wanted to share my experiences as a human being, as an educator, as a parent and as a business professional with the mental health and mental illnesses of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, low spectrum autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder and how they affect my daily life.

Make a Difference

Upon the first event kicking off I was blown away by a couple of things. One was how open everyone was about themselves and two, how understanding everyone was when listening to others with similar or different disabilities. Never for one second did I get the impression that anyone was any different than the next person because everyone is unique whether they have a disability or not. As someone who only recently started to accept what society calls my disabilities, I was happy that everyone just wanted to have the same opportunities as the next person. If that means a person needs more time on an exam or help taking notes, then we should give it to them. I remember some classes where I needed more time on assignments than others so I could very much relate.

At Walsh University each student can do just that. It is refreshing especially during a time where so many people and groups are trying to divide, Walsh is bringing everyone together by accepting each person as they are and giving them the opportunity to thrive as a human being and as a student.

I am Valuable

The parent #DAW event was sobering and empowering all at the same time. At This Juncture, parents shared stories of heartbreak, burnout and overcoming with those in attendance. While I shared some of the successes I have achieved with my disabilities, those of my former and current students who were and are some of the best students I have had in my 7-year teaching career. Attending parents, much like the students just want their children to have the opportunity to be happy and to not be looked down on by others, which can in part be caused by the labels that society has placed on some.

To the students out there who are battling a disability, you are awesome and are just as valuable as the next student. To the educators be patient with your students. You can make the world of difference by just taking a few more seconds or minutes to listen and help. To the health care workers thank you for all that you do. And to society please be kind to others; everyone is going through something, including you.

Justin Alan Hayes, MBA is on the path to help 2 Billion people in his lifetime.

Join Justin by helping that someone in your life with: The House of You: Prescription for Living and The House of You: 5 Workforce Tips for a Successful Career