Students in the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association (RCSA) spent 18 hours at the Holmes Student Center during Respect Week, encouraging conversations about disability inclusion, advocacy and accessibility through interactive outreach and community engagement.
Respect Week is a statewide initiative that promotes kindness, inclusion and respect in schools and communities through activities and educational events.
Throughout the week, members of the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association distributed 141 pieces of Respect Week gear while connecting with students, staff and visitors about the importance of accessibility and disability awareness.
“It was a joy to see all the engagement, networking and advocacy taking place,” said Amanda McCarthy, associate professor and clinical coordinator for rehabilitation counseling. “I am very proud of our RCSA team.”
The effort also provided students with hands-on experience in advocacy and community education, aligning with the association’s broader mission of promoting accessibility and respect in professional and public settings.
“Participating in the Week of Respect is especially meaningful for rehabilitation counseling students because it aligns with our core values of advocacy, inclusion and respect for individuals with disabilities,” said student Quarey Weikal. “Events like this give students the opportunity to move beyond theory and actively engage in promoting dignity and equity within the community.”
Weikal said it also reinforces the importance of person-centered perspectives, challenges stigmas and helps students develop the interpersonal and cultural humility skills that are essential in their professional roles.
“We, as students participating at the table, had the opportunity to hear personal stories from individuals who deeply resonated with the event’s message of inclusivity” Weikal said. “Many shared their lived experiences and expressed feeling supported by both the event itself and the values it promoted.”
Learn more about rehabilitation counseling at NIU.
