For those of you who were unable to be at Wednesday's breakfast, I'm deeply sorry because you missed a thought-provoking presentation by John Moalli, Zach Crichton and his mom, Kelly.
Imagine what life would be like if you couldn't express your thoughts.
While John Moalli was volunteering for a FHHS STEM class six years ago, he recognized Zach Crichton's high intelligence, and living with Cerebral Palsy, limiting his speech and movement. As a Professor at Stanford University, a new engineering course was established (and on going) to see how better technology could help Zach better communicate. "I thought an interesting concept would be to teach design through the lens of engineering for the differently abled".
That was in the beginning of the school year and the Stanford class, Dare to Care: Compassionate Design commenced. (Update: John flys to Stanford weekly to teach this class, now in two sessions to accommodate the interest). Zach, his mom, teaching assistant and STEM teacher attended the second class. The highlight for Zach: his first plane ride and straight to Palo Alto!
John's message to us today: "I want you to learn different perspectives on disability. We make assumptions that people with disabilities want to be like us. And that's not true. What's true is they want to be included. In the past two years with discussion about DEI (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion), they want to make sure they have a seat at the table in those discussions because they have been excluded from so many things for so long."
Kelly's comments: Zach is half way to his goal of earning an AA Degree at Skagit Valley College; favorite subject: earth science with focus on climate change. Zach is taking a Communications class right now, learning about first impressions; perspectives and biases, a challenge for Zach his entire life. "Step Back and Put Yourself in their shoes. Do not underestimate them."Y.A.A.S program (Young Adult Association of San Juan Islands) at Family Resource Center brings together his social group who are challenged to learn: everyone is given the opportunity to contribute to their community. (Zach's idea for 'accessibility to all' at Jackson's Beach) and they work on bringing awareness about people with disabilities to our community. Lots of projects ahead for Rotary to "Make It Happen".After teaching at Stanford for the past 18 years, John ended his comments HOPEFUL for this generation. Instead of focusing on developing killer apps, starting their own startup, making lots of bucks. Now, his students say "how can I save the world? prevent climate change, help other people?"His goal is to have his students approach design with a perspective of empathy and inclusion.Thank you, John.
