Parkland Student Wins 2009 Student Of The Year For Disability Awareness

Posted by OurTownNews November 8, 2009, 9:24 PM
2 Comments 

---

By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

Garrett Mayersohn is consumed with texting, Facebook and movies like any other typical 14-year-old.

The only difference is that Mayersohn has turned his disability of Cerebral Palsy into a mission of ensuring that students with similar disabilities are included.

For his work with disability awareness, Mayersohn, 14 and a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, was recently recognized with the 2009 Student of the Year award.

The Broward County Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities through the support of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards in conjunction with the 30th annual Disabilities Expo presented the 2009 Disability Awareness Awards presented the award.

The 2009 Student of the Year is awarded to a student with a disability who currently attends a local school and has demonstrated either outstanding academic achievement or has demonstrated achievements in advocacy for the rights of students with disabilities. Parkland City Commissioners also recently honored Mayersohn for the recognition.

“I didn’t expect to get this award and it makes me feel good because this is something I’m really passionate about,” said Mayersohn.

Mayersohn, who has Cerebral Palsy, has promoted legislation that requires schools throughout Florida to educate non-disabled students about what it’s like to be a student with a disability. He had an awareness week at his school and spread the message on the morning announcements and throughout the classrooms.

“The reason is so they can have a little more compassion for people with disabilities and for social inclusion,” he said. “We’re all equal; and sometimes they tend to hang out with their own peers and don’t want to hang out with mainstream ESE kids. This brings awareness.”

Mayersohn will continue to spread his message of awareness and social inclusion at local schools and at City Commission meetings. He says he’s already seen a change of more acceptance among his non-disabled peers and will continue his awareness campaign.

“I’ve seen major improvements since last school year. I’ve seen the mainstream kids being much more caring and accepting to the ESE kids,” said Mayersohn, adding, “There is still a lot more to do to improve and make sure the message gets out.”