Photos by Caitlin Herron/The Collegian
By Jalyn Sneed/reporter
Students with disabilities of any kind can now gather, find support and talk freely about what’s on their mind in an encouraging environment at the new Hangout Spot on SE.
The Hangout Spot is a part of the SE Campus club Learning Differently, which reaches and supports students with learning disabilities. Learning Differently president Demetrius Silmon says the main reason for the Hangout Spot is to “train up leaders with disabilities.”
“A lot of students who have disabilities are meant to be leaders but don’t do it because of their disability,” Silmon said. “This is to help encourage them to become the leaders they’re meant to be.”
Kaleb Cameron, club sponsor and SE disability support services coordinator said the Hangout Spot is a way to draw in students and support one another.
“As the club sponsor, I would like to see the club grow,” Cameron said. “This will help students feel connected to one another and have fun. The Hangout Spot is a relaxed and informal way for students to meet people who are in Learning Differently.”
Cameron said his hope is for the Hangout Spot to increase awareness among students with disabilities.
“I want them to know they’re not alone,” Cameron said.
Allison Hebron, a club member, says she plans on attending the Hangout Spot and is excited for it.
“I hope that I can learn more about people,” she said. “I stay in Learning Differently because it’s to better my social interaction with people.”
Hebron said she’s happy about the Hangout Spot because it will provide resources for college-aged students dealing with learning disabilities.
“In general, there aren’t enough resources out there for students with disabilities,” she said. “I’m happy that the club president is able to make this happen.”
The Hangout Spot will not only be a place of support, but it will provide recreation through free games and food. At the end of the event, students will write down and share their life goals.
“I want them to realize they have a purpose in life,” Silmon said.
Silmon also said the event is not just for students with disabilities but anyone who wants to connect with other students.
Photos by Caitlin Herron/The Collegian
“This is really geared toward anybody, and I want them to have fun,” he said.
The Hangout Spot’s first gathering will be 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 27 in the SE Science Learning Building’s HUB. The event will be every fourth Friday of the month.
