10
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
MELISSA HALL:
Incorporating disability into the college classroom As a member of the Fayetteville community, I have
the
privilege
of
watching
firsthand
the
impact 99 Balloons has on our community. Not only
have
our
disability
friends
greatly
and
family
benefited
experiencing
from
the
many
programs offered by 99 Balloons, but I personally have grown because my perspective of disability has
grown
and
understanding because
of
of the
changed. faith
is
My
more
relationships
life
and
my
rich
and
full
I
share
with
individuals experiencing disability.
Although
I
professor,
am I
a
had
mental never
health
therapist
received
and
training
or
education specific to the needs of individuals and
families
experiencing
disability
before
my
involvement with 99 Balloons. This is a huge gap in
most
helping
profession
training
programs,
including the one that I lead. I am so excited that is about to change! After collaborating with 99
Balloons
we
were
able
to
add
a
course
specific to the helping profession and disability. Beginning in the fall of 2021, students within the Family and Human Services Department at John Brown University will have the opportunity to take this course. It is my hope that my students will grow in their understanding and knowledge of disability, become more inclusive, and take the step
to
get
disability!
involved
in
changing
the
story
of
