On Monday, the Upper School Student Voices group collaborated with the Allies for the Disabled Community Affinity to host an activity raising awareness about the disabled community. “At a school where academic excellence is emphasized, it is important to recognize different academic or life journeys that others endure,” said Bella H. ’23, one of the affinity’s founders. Students shared personal testimonies and facts, tackling the stigma against disabilities, which is defined as having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities. Students talked about vocabulary to use (neuroatypical or neurotypical) versus what not to use (“normal,” “abnormal,” or “weird”).

Upper School students also heard from Grace Goldman, a program manager of Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities of all ages with mentorship, leadership development, and other resources.

Westridge has its own Best Buddies chapter, which will be participating in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on April 23 in Long Beach.