What drew you to the Diploma in Intellectual Disability Studies?
Susan: I have a foster brother who my mom raised since the age of four and is now 25. When he turned 18 I became his legal guardian due to his intellectual disability of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I would eventually like a career as an advocate for adults with disabilities, and the best place for me to start my journey is with this diploma.
Pam: My sole purpose of the many avenues I embark upon is to obtain and absorb as much information as possible to further enhance the quality of life of those around me. I first heard about the program after they received the award for Program of Excellence in July 2012. I began my first course in September 2012 and currently I’m in my final semester of the Diploma program.
What was the most challenging part?
Susan: It was questioning my dedication to follow through with the weekly readings and to motivate myself to participate online. Having been out of school for more than 20 years, I lacked confidence in myself thinking that I couldn’t do it. I’m grateful to Mary and Cindy at StFX for their weekly conversations offering encouraging words to stay positive and that I could see it through. Now I’m into week four of my third course, and can’t believe that I ever doubted myself.
Pam: This program reinforced my beliefs that challenges are meant to be conquered, they are not limitations or deficits that would prevent us from achieving a goal. Attempting to achieve or resolve any challenge can be heartbreaking at times. The most significant message I take away is individuals with an intellectual disability can have valuable input into their lives—we just need to acknowledge their voices, because inclusion and happiness suppresses exclusion and loneliness.
This article appears in Feb 19-25, 2015.