Student panelists discuss disabilities
Six Dartmouth students personally affected by disabilities told their stories to an audience of students and faculty during a panel discussion held on Thursday, "Managing Disabilities and Health Issues at Dartmouth." The panelists urged community members to begin constructive dialogue about physical and mental disabilities to achieve wider understanding and combat the stigma that prevents students from seeking accommodations for their disabilities. Access By Leadership in Equity, a new student organization that works to raise awareness about students with disabilities, led the event, which was moderated by Student Body President Frances Vernon '10. Students feel insecure about seeking help from on-campus resources, panelists said, citing a nationwide and school-wide "culture of intensity" that discourages students from asking for help. Students should take advantage of the support services at Dartmouth, panelists said. "We are a smaller college and for that reason we have such a sense of community," Vernon said.
