There are more than 200 students with disabilities on MSU's campus.

But some students with limitations are making their voices heard by starting a new society just for them.

The goals of the Delta Alpha Pi chapter are to break down the myths and stereotypes that seem to go along with people with disabilities.

And members hope to do this through being leaders in education, and advocacy for disabled students.


Walking around MSU's campus, you might not be able to tell who has a disability and who doesn't.  Andrea Cavanaugh, an organizer of Delta Alpha Pi; "We are trying to change the perceptions of disability," says Andrea Cavanaugh, an organizer of the new chapter.  The group hopes to give students with disabilities a voice on campus.

"Many don't understand the sense of self empowerment in order to meet the demands of everyday life but on top of that they have a disability," Cavanaugh says. 

It's this misunderstanding that Cavanaugh and fellow members of Alpha Delta Pi hope to change.

"Looking at students with disabilities their achievements in academics advocacy  skills promoting them and their achievements and working on disability issues in the community."  says Katheryne Staeger-Wilson with MSU Disability Services. 

You might not be able to tell but Cavanaugh is disabled "I am an individual and I have been hearing impaired the last seven years."

She says the message needs to start from those students with the disability

"If you see it as a challenge as an opportunity to overcome obstacles and you convey that message to the people, I think the organization has the ability to work with other individuals and say hey look maybe it's visible but its all in the way you carry yourself."

With more understading and communication, Cavanaugh feels the goals of the honor society will be met.
"If i can advocate myself i am worthwhile and I can make it, I can reach my goals."

Long term goals of the group include members being mentors to children in our community with disabilities.
The Delta Alpha Pi society is the first ay MSU and in the state.  There are only seven chapters worldwide.