University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Wheelchair Ride to Panhellenic Pride: Ramps, Recruitment, and Reaching Full Accessibility to Sororities

O'Connor, Maggie

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/32117

Description

Title
Wheelchair Ride to Panhellenic Pride: Ramps, Recruitment, and Reaching Full Accessibility to Sororities
Author(s)
O'Connor, Maggie
Issue Date
2012
Keyword(s)
  • Panhellenic Council
  • wheelchair
  • disability
  • sorority
  • ramp
  • understanding
  • recruitment
Abstract
With 18 sororities that participate in formal recruitment at the University of Illinois, Panhellenic Council seeks to promote full inclusion and “mutual understanding” among all women who decide that they want to become a part of the Greek system. For women in wheelchairs or motor chairs, Panhellenic Council facilitates the accommodations necessary to allow the potential new member to visit every house. This paper explores the limitations of accessibility that is only required for formal recruitment and how this may deter or promote participation in sorority life for women in wheelchairs. Ultimately, it highlights the ways in which the Panhellenic community is working toward but still has yet to reach mutual understanding of what “accessibility” means between able-bodied sorority members and women with disabilities.
Series/Report Name or Number
  • English 199/CHP; Spring 2012
  • Instructor, Catherine Prendergast
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/32117

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