As the finale to Disability Rights Week at Utah State University, disabled comedians Drew Lynch and Sam Comroe gave their comedic perspectives on living with a disability.
“Stand up is hard for anybody, it’s not just because of my voice that it’s difficult,” said Lynch after being asked if it took bravery for him to stand up in front of crowds and do comedy.
Lynch, this year’s runner-up on America’s Got Talent, was hit in the throat with a softball four years ago, damaging his vocal chords and leaving him with a stutter. His partner, Comroe, was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome while in the third grade.
“It was hard to book Drew due to his recent America’s Got Talent fame, but we were very happy that he agreed to perform,” said Shane Johnson, the development officer for the USU Center for Persons with Disabilities. “We had plenty of options for people to finish out the week but we chose these comedians because they relate to both college students and people with disabilities, making it a fun experience for all involved.”
Both comedians use self-deprecation and their unique experiences as people with disabilities to entertain and educate their audiences about disabilities.
“Seeing people with disabilities in the spotlight makes me feel like I too can do anything,” said freshman Melissa Roeder, who has struggled with a stutter for most of her life. “I’m so thankful that people like Drew and Sam are out using comedy to spread awareness for people with disabilities.”
The show began with routines from both of the comedians, followed by an audience Q&A session where the two comedians came together and encouraged everyone with questions to speak up. Both comedians said they are frequently asked questions about their experiences with fame and disability, so they like to open up the conversation in front of the entire audience to help spread awareness about their disabilities.
“This show is the culmination of a week celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Johnson said. “These two comedians continue to help us spread awareness about disabilities, while providing a really great time for the audience.”
USU inaugurated Disability Rights Week this year in order to celebrate the ADA’s 25th anniversary.
The week began with lawn signs around campus pointing out handicapped accessible features at USU, followed by an information fair in the Taggart Student Center. The week finished with the comedy show and birthday cake for all in attendance, to celebrate the ADA’s anniversary.
No comments:
Post a Comment