According to the American Psychological Association, adults with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to experience abuse than adults without disabilities. The Oklahoma Christian University Eagle PR team is kicking off “The Visibility Project” in an attempt to inform, include and inspire the community to stand up against violence targeted at people with disabilities.
In April, the student-led PR form will host several events. Each Tuesday for three weeks, the team will direct a chapel series on campus with a guest speaker to share a message with the OC community. The messages will be aimed toward informing, including and inspiring individuals about the issue of targeted violence.
Along with the chapel series, Eagle PR will sponsor an OC softball game at the OC softball stadium on April 23 at 4 p.m. At the game, Buggy Jo, the son of family science professor Bobby Kern, will be throwing the first pitch. The team will also provide catering of ice cream from Not Your Average Joe, a coffee shop that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Between games,there will be fun giveaways while the team tells the audience about their mission. There will be a special appearance from OC President John deSteiguer in support of the campaign. The first 30 people to join us will get in for free, and after that, the event will only cost $5 for adults and $3 for children.
To conclude their semester-long project, the team will host a collaborative art show on April 24. The art to be shown is a collaboration between an individual with disabilities and a local artist in the Edmond/OKC area. Upon arrival at the show, attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a gift card. New Reign, OC’s student a capella singing group, will perform as well. The art show will begin at 4 p.m. in The Brew, OC’s coffee shop on the second floor of the library.
Associate Professor of Communication Josh Watson, the Eagle PR’s faculty advisor, wants to emphasize the importance of showing up for the community.
“The violence that’s targeted against people with disabilities is a serious problem, and our goal is to make the community more aware of this issue and display inclusion of everyone,” Watson said. “Showing up for these events and showing support will help more people know about targeted violence and how we can all help be part of the solution.”
Isabella Rapp, the firm’s director, said the campaign is close to her heart; she works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day at the Not Your Average Joe coffee shop.
“Not Your Average Joe has taught me the importance of inclusion in every part of life,” Rapp said. “Whether that is inclusion in jobs like at NYAJ or even equal opportunities on a college campus, promoting radical inclusion changes peoples’ lives and encourages those around us to promote it as well.
“I believe this project will highlight the importance of inclusion and accessibility to things that abled people take for granted like jobs, community and even justice. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard and loved. That’s why we named this ‘The Visibility Project.’”
Throughout the campaign and events, Eagle PR will partner with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma and Not Your Average Joe. Each organization supports and creates resources for adults and children with disabilities. To keep up with the campaign and track its progress, follow @the.visibility.project on Instagram, like it on Facebook, or visit the website at www.jointhevisibilityproject.org.
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