Undergraduate doesn't let disability get in her way
BY REBECCA KENDALL
Second-year psychology student Chantal Huinink is the 2006 recipient of the Tara Lynn Giuliani Memorial Award. She will receive the award March 10 during an Accessibility Awareness Week event that runs from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arboretum Centre.
Tara Lynn Giuliani was a U of G student who lost her sight a few years before she died at age 25 from juvenile diabetes. Her family established the $500 award in 1995 for students who have a disability, demonstrate financial need, have significant academic standing and are involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Preference is given to students with a visual impairment.
“It means a lot to me to be selected for this award,” says Huinink, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her fine-motor and gross-motor skills and her eyesight. “The family's contribution is making it possible for me to fulfil my own academic goals and will enable me to learn and develop a skill area I can use to contribute to the lives of others. I'm honoured that they would see fit to share this with me on their daughter's behalf.”
Barry Wheeler, an adviser in the Centre for Students With Disabilities (CSD), says Huinink never lets her disability get in the way of her goals. “I've worked with a number of remarkable people in my line of work, and Chantal is certainly one of those students who continue to inspire me on a daily basis.”
Huinink, 22, was born in Winnipeg 2½ months prematurely and lived in Hamilton for several years before moving to Guelph at age 12.
“Although my limitations produce technical difficulties in a world that isn't universally accessible, I don't believe my limitations have any adverse effects,” she says. “I've been able to adapt since day one.”
She says U of G's psychology program coupled with the University's welcoming environment and willingness to support students with disabilities made choosing to study here an easy decision.
“Guelph also has one of the most accessible campuses in Canada, and I was confident that my disability wouldn't get in my way. To this day, I'm grateful that the majority of my energy can be spent enjoying the important aspects of my life, rather than worrying about my disability.”
Huinink has been a volunteer at the CSD for three years, beginning when she was in high school. She speaks at CSD workshops for campus organizations and departments on topics such as physical challenges and inclusive language. She also serves as a liaison for new students, providing them with information about campus life.
In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, cheering for the Gryphon men's basketball team and spending time with friends, most of whom are able-bodied.
“The only significant difference between us is that I spend most of my time sitting down,” she says. “I participate in all the same activities my able-bodied friends do.”
She also writes a bimonthly column on disability and access-related issues called “Wheels in the City” for the Wheelchair Site, an independent online consumers' guide to scooters, wheelchairs and accessories.
When she completes her BA, Huinink plans to either pursue a master's degree in disability studies or go to law school before becoming a child and youth counsellor. She may also dedicate some time to writing about her experiences. “At this point, there are so many options.”
