“I need a ride home” is what I’m always requesting when there is some program that I’m interested in attending at my university. I’m not able to drive and the city transportation is very limited in the evening hours.  It makes me feel awkward that I have to entice someone to give me a ride. Other times I decide to forgo the event, because I don’t want to feel like I’m a burden.

The transportation issue is a major issue for me. I tried to discuss this problem with a college instructor, who was also an advisor, to the event I wanted to attend. The instructor did not know what to do and came back with, “I’m not responsible.” I was dumbfounded because it was like I was making an unrealistic request. I wish it was dealt with in a more sympathetic response such as “Sorry, we aren’t able to help you this time.” At least it would have sounded more encouraging and polite.

But I also take issue with the statement: “I’m not responsible.” This sounds like the advisor has no influence or does not need to initiate a solution for a member who is disadvantage and needs help in participating. I know as an advisor he or she can’t force someone to volunteer their time. However, I do expect them to encourage and support a student who wants and can be a valuable member of a club if given a little support. An advisor is a role model for the students to look up to and follow.

Although this was written from a personal perspective, I can assure readers that I bet there are many disabled students who desire to be part of a club but lack the resources or the support to fully participate in it. Colleges need to encourage transportation services for disadvantage students. Maybe have incentives for giving students rides? I think the lessons here are compassion and inclusion. Why should a disabled student feel excluded because of something he or she can’t help?