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Benchmark Cultural Immersion: Interview Paper Assignment
Shayla Leacock-Burnett
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
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Abstract
Supporting people from different cultural backgrounds including those with disabilities, requires
a thoughtful approach that values and respects their differences. People from various cultures and
those with disabilities often face unique challenges which may not always be obvious. These
challenges can include language differences, different ways of communicating, and limited
access to services or resources. For people with disabilities, there may also be additional barriers
such as physical obstacles or social stigma. To provide the best support, it is important to
understand these cultural and disability differences and be aware of their specific needs. This
means adjusting how we communicate, being inclusive, and creating environments that help
everyone feel welcome and capable of participating in society. By doing this, we can help make
sure that all individuals, no matter their background or ability, can fully access the support and
opportunities they need.
Keywords: disability, inclusivity, advocate, interview, Next Step Clubhouse
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Benchmark Cultural Immersion: Interview Paper Assignment
For this assignment, I chose The Next Step Clubhouse (NSC), a nonprofit organization
dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs in the Greater Charlotte area. They
provide social and recreational opportunities that are not typically offered through schools or
other community services. In November 2014, a group of community members came together to
elevate the need for such a program. Originally incorporated as the Exceptional Foundation of
Charlotte, the organization officially opened its doors on September 14, 2016, to serve
individuals with disabilities for Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. In mid-2019, the
organization rebranded and officially became the Next Step Clubhouse on June 16, 2020. What
started as a small group of individuals with special needs has since grown significantly. Today,
Next Step Clubhouse serves over 50 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
(IDD). The organization’s long-term goal is to build a dedicated recreational and administrative
facility, remaining centrally located in Charlotte.
Purpose/Mission Statement
For my interview I spoke with Meghan Kelly who is the program manager at The Next
Step Club house. NSC’s mission is to provide a facility and programs for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities to meet regularly and experience a broad range of
social and recreational activities designed to promote healthy living, support social relationships,
explore the arts, improve functional skills, and foster community involvement. Their vision is to
create a world where people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities can take the next
step without needing organizations like ours toDhelp (M. Kelly, personal communication,
November 20, 2024; Next Step Clubhouse, 2020).
Services Offered to the Identified Population
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NSC provides a safe environment where members can be themselves and form
friendships naturally while engaging in quality programming throughout the day. This is
achieved through a variety of social and recreational activities, including social groups, fitness
classes, emotional wellness discussions, field trips, bowling, and volunteer projects. Some of
their volunteer initiatives include food drives, back-to-school drives, and supporting
organizations like Samaritan’s Feet International, by helping fill boxes of shoes for those in need
worldwide and assisting with packing boxes of food for distribution with the organization
Nourish Up (M. Kelly, personal communication, November 20, 2024;).
Members Made Aware of Available Services
Parents learn about the program through high school teachers, resource fairs, Google, or
social media. I say high school teachers are a key source of information because, according to
Meghan, individuals with disabilities can spend up to eight years in high school (M. Kelly,
personal communication, November 20, 2024). In fact, 72.4% of students with disabilities
graduate within eight years of starting high school (Schifter, 2011). Parents of family members
enroll the adults in the program, and they decide how often the adults attend NSC, with options
ranging from one and half days to four days per week. Each month, members can vote on the
activities they would like to participate in, which empowers them to make decisions and feel
more like independent adults (M. Kelly, personal communication, November 20, 2024).
Greatest Areas of Need for NSC
The greatest area of need for NSC is funding, and they address it by charging members
only a third the actual cost for quality programming. For example, if art supplies cost $12,
members pay just $4. Since they are not a Medicaid-funded program, NSC strives to be as cost-
efficient as possible, with the cost of four full days of year-round programming equivalent to
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nearly $3 per hour. The greatest funding need is addressing the fourteen-year-long waitlist for
federal support. Members pay a $3 per hour for membership fee which grants them access to
social and recreational programming (M. Kelly, personal communication, November 20, 2024).
Nonprofit organizations like NSC face challenges in securing funding due to factors such as
competitive grant landscapes, complex application processes, limited funding sources, reliance
on a variety of donors, restrictions on fund usage, difficulties in demonstrating impact, and the
constant need to compete for attention in a crowded market, all while dealing with economic
fluctuations that affect donor generosity (View, 2021; GEO, 2024). To support their mission,
NSC highlights donation opportunities on their website including $1500 for one month of
programming for one year-round member, (families pay $475 for four full days of year-round
membership), $400 for one filed trip for all members, and various smaller contributions like $50
for one month of art supplies or $25 weekly cleaning supplies (Next Step Clubhouse, 2020).
Significant Challenges Served for the Population/Organization
The most significant challenges for adults with IDD are funding, isolation/depression,
and transportation. To address isolation and depression, NSC was created specifically for
individuals on the Innovations Waiver waitlist, providing them with access too essential
programming and support. The North Carolina Innovations Waiver is a federally approved 1915
(c) Medicaid home-and community-based services waiver that provides individuals with IDD
access to services and supports, enabling them to make their own choices about care and
participate in their communities. The NC Innovations Waiver has a limited number of available
slots and individuals who are eligible may be added to the Innovations Waiver Waitlist if the
slots are full (NCIW & IWW | Vaya Health, 2019). For transportation, NSC partners with the
Charlotte Area Transits Special Transportation Services (STS), offering another reliable option
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for members to get to the clubhouse beyond relying on caregivers. One of the more significant
challenges for NSC, from an organizational standpoint, is providing members with the
opportunity to develop friendships naturally. Meghan explains that when individuals with
disabilities receive services from the state, they are often assigned a one-on-one worker. As a
result, many come to NSC seeking greater independence, so they are not constantly monitored
and hovered over. At NSC, members are empowered to make decisions and experience what it
feels like to be adults and to foster their independence and social connections (M. Kelly, personal
communication, November 20, 2024).
Importance of Social Justice within the Agency/Organization
According to Meghan, the importance of social justice at NSC is rooted in addressing the
needs of individuals with disabilities who are often overlooked. She highlights how NSC
combats isolation and mental health challenges such as depression, by offering a variety of
activities that promote social engagement and well-being. Additionally, she emphasizes that
NSC serves those on the NC Innovations Waiver waitlist, providing them with vital social and
recreational services that are otherwise unavailable due to the limitation of Medicaid funding.
Personally, I believe that social justice within NSC goes even further. It is about ensuring
that adults with disabilities are given the same opportunities as anyone else to live fulfilling and
independent lives. NSC empowers them to be active participants in their community by creating
a space where they can engage in meaningful activities, form friendships, and develop skills. The
organization’s commitment to inclusivity and its efforts to address gaps in government funding
shows a strong understanding of the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Ultimately, NSC’s approach to social justice ensures that people with disabilities are not left
behind or isolated but are valued members of the community.
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Individual Interviews
Interviewee Background
I interviewed two individuals at NSC, Kyle who is 28 years old and Dave who is 30 years
old, both selected by the program manager Meghan. The interview was conducted with
Meghan’s assistance. It is important to note that I was unable to gather a lot of detailed
information from them due to their disabilities and the fact that they required guidance on how to
answer certain questions, with Meghan providing support during the interview process. Both
Kyle and Dave have down syndrome and have been friends for over 12 years. When observing
both men, Kyle was more talkative and eager to engage in conversation, while Dave was more
laid-back. Kyle often took the lead, encouraging Dave to share details about his life, but also
offering general support. It was clear that they are very close friends who know a lot about each
other and have a strong bond. At times Kyle even mentioned things about Dave that Dave might
not have brought up himself.
During my interview with Kyle, I learned that he wasn’t aware he had down syndrome
until his sister did a school project in which she studied the condition and recognized that the
characteristics she researched matched his own. However, Kyle also says that he first learned
about his condition when he was child. Although he doesn’t remember how he felt when he
learned about his down syndrome, he did mention that both he and his mom are also leukemia
survivors. In 2016, Kyle moved from New Jersey to North Carolina. He had a positive
experience in high school and is now enrolled in online classes at South Piedmont Community
College, where he enjoys studying both math and reading comprehension. Kyle works for Bitty
and Beau’s which is a coffee shop run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
where he has been taking orders since October 2021. Kyle attends sleep-away camp for five
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nights each summer, and he sometimes goes kayaking after his day at NSC. Kyle is also into
visual effects. During the arts and crafts activity, I noticed that while everyone was drawing, he
was using his iPad to research images and create a digital collage. He even mentioned that he has
a girlfriend names Sarah. His favorite holiday is Halloween, although he enjoys all holidays.
When I asked Kyle about negativity related to having down syndrome, he consistently shared his
life motto: to stay positive and avoid negativity. He tries to surround himself with positive people
and steer clear of negative influences (Kyle, personal communication, November 20, 2024).
During my interview with Dave, I learned that his mom told him he had down syndrome
when he was very young. She takes him to the clubhouse every day, and he uses the special
transportation bus to get back home. Dave’s favorite activity at the clubhouse is “saving people,”
as he plays a big role in assisting the staff and enjoys helping to lead classes like yoga and art.
He feels that the clubhouse is like a family to him. Dave doesn’t have a formal job but works at
the NSC as a “volunteer staff assistant.” He has always lived in North Carolina with his mom,
though his dad lives in South America. Dave is also an uncle with one nephew and two nieces.
When he’s not at the clubhouse, he helps his mom clean and does chores at home. He enjoys
playing video games like Fortnite and likes all holidays. Dave mentioned that he enjoyed high
school and misses his friends, although he was bullied during that time and had to practice
controlling his temper. I’m not sure how true this is, as Meghan mentioned that Dave often
remembers movies he’s watched and embodies the characters. For example, he mentioned that
he is really into “The Flash” and strongly felt that he could display the characteristics of The
Flash. Dave doesn’t attend church because of negative experiences, such as attending funerals
(Dave, personal communication, November 20, 2024).
Emotional Reaction to Interviewee’s Story
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My reaction to in the interviewees and their stories was truly refreshing, especially Kyle’s
knowing that he not only has down syndrome but is also a leukemia survivor. Personally, I have
found it challenging to not treat adults with disabilities as children. When you are around
individuals who need assistance with tasks that come easily to most of us, it is natural to fall into
a protective, caretaking, or even authoritative role. During the interview, I noticed that I
sometimes spoke to them in a tone that I might use with a toddler without even realizing it. It
was eye-opening and inspiring to see how independent both Kyle and Dave are. I had assumed
that they would need assistance with most aspects of their lives. They engage in everyday
activities that many of us often overlook, which serves as a powerful reminder of how easy it is
to take certain freedoms and abilities for granted, especially when we don’t have the challenges
others do. I have coworkers with children and grandchildren who have IDD such as down
syndrome and autism. Some have shared their concerns like knowing their child will live with
them forever and not having the experience of seeing their child grow up to live independently or
have their own family. Additionally, I have seen how one of my coworker’s daughters has
struggled to maintain a stable job due to the need to care for her younger daughter with down
syndrome, as well as struggling with challenges related to her speech development. In contrast, it
was incredibly refreshing and encouraging to witness how full of life both Kyle and Dave are,
how they have jobs, are in relationships, and how they can do things that people without
disabilities typically do often with minimal assistance. It really changed some of my previous
assumptions and gave me a new perspective. It was especially inspiring to see how both Kyle
and Dave were able to engage in conversation and understand what I was saying so well. Their
ability to communicate and connect with me made me realize just how capable they are, which
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challenged some of my previous assumptions and gave me a new perspective on what adults
with disabilities can achieve.
Additional Knowledge About Adults with Disabilities
Based on the interview experience, I did not gain new knowledge from the interviewees,
but I did learn some important insight that expanded my understanding of individuals with
disabilities. One significant point that Meghan shared was that some individuals with disabilities
are unaware that they have a disability. This was eye-opening for me, as it had never occurred to
me that a person could be living with a disability without being fully aware of it. Additionally, I
learned that some disabilities are not immediately apparent to others, which added depth to my
understanding of what it means to live with a disability.
According to recent research, of the 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities,
about 15% of the global population, approximately 450 million have neurological or mental
disabilities that are visible to others. In fact, two-thirds of people with invisible disabilities do not
seek medical help because of the stigma, discrimination or neglect thy face (Companies, 2023).
This aligns with my realization that disability is not always visible. Non-visible disabilities
encompass a wide range of conditions, including mental health issues like anxiety, depression,
and schizophrenia, as well as autism, sensory processing difficulties, cognitive, impairments, and
various chronic health conditions such as diabetes or chronic pain (Gov,uk, 2020). This made me
realize that technically both the people around me and I would be considered to have some type
of disability, as anxiety is recognized as a disability. I also remembered that when applying for
jobs, conditions such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, or even HIV/Aids are often listed as
disabilities.
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This newfound knowledge helped me understand why I was surprised that Valonda (who
has autism) and Christy (who has a traumatic brain injury) have disabilities, even though they
both present themselves so well, as I mentioned in the events portion of the cultural immersion
project. Their ability to engage and interact seamlessly made it difficult for me to initially
recognize their disabilities, reinforcing the idea that disabilities come in many forms, some of
which are not immediately obvious to those around them. This experience has made me realize
that people with disabilities may face unique challenges that are not always visible but are no
less significant.
Gracism Principles
The principles “I will cover you” and I will stand with you” from Gracism (Anderson,
2007) are impactful expressions of what it means to engage as a Gracist. The principle of “I will
cover you” is about protecting the most vulnerable among us from embarrassment, while also
ensuring that individuals are shielded from harm, neglect, or discrimination. In the context of
adults with disabilities, covering them means advocating for their rights and providing a safe
environment where they can feel supported. For example, adults with disabilities often face
stigmatization or assumptions about their capabilities (CDC, 2024), and covering them means
challenging these misconceptions and making sure they have equal access to opportunities in all
areas of life. In my interview, I saw Kyle and Dave as independent individuals who lead classes,
and live fulfilling lives, which challenges stereotypes about the limitations of people with
disabilities. Covering them also means providing emotional and social protection, like helping
them build relationships, ensuring they are welcomed in social and work settings, and shielding
them from environments that might not value their contributions.
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Additionally, “I will stand with you” emphasizes that when the majority helps the
minority, and the stronger support the weaker, it prevents division within the community as well
as fosters solidarity and active support. By standing with individuals from minority groups or
those facing challenges, those in more privileged positions can help create an environment of
respect of inclusivity. In the context of standing with adults with disabilities, the community can
bridge the gap between people of different abilities, promoting greater understanding and
connection. This creates an environment where people feel valued regardless of their differences,
leading to stronger unity and less marginalization. For example, both Kyle and Dave demonstrate
independence and make meaningful contributions to their community, but their success is also
supported by the people and programs around them. Whether through community involvement,
supportive staff, or social connections, standing with them ensures they have the same
opportunities and are treated with dignity.
I believe the principles of love and humility as (Anderson, 2007) describes in Gracism is
an additional principle as it relates to adults with disabilities. Love as described by Anderson
(2007), is about caring for others unconditionally and actively working to include and support
them regardless of if their challenges. For adults with disabilities, this means not offering just
sympathy, but genuine care and respect, celebrating their achievements, and helping them
overcome obstacles. Humility compliments this by reminding us to approach people with
disabilities without any sense of superiority, recognizing that they have unique experiences and
strengths that we can learn from. It involves respecting their abilities and not seeing them in a
lens of pity or inadequacy.
Summary Section
Compare and Contrast
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From the interviews, research, and events portion of this project, I noticed both
similarities and differences between my own experiences and what I have learned. One key
similarity I noticed was the emphasis on independence. This is a central goal of the Next Step
Clubhouse, which seeks to foster independence for adults with disabilities, and is one of the main
reasons some members chose to attend. As CDC (2024) points out, many adults with disabilities
highly value their autonomy and strive to live as self-sufficiently as possible. This includes
making personal decisions, managing daily tasks, and living independently in their own homes,
all while emphasizing self-determination and the right to make choices about their lives. This is
like what Kyle demonstrates through his ability to work, attend sleep-away camp, and engage in
hobbies such as kayaking. Another similarity I noticed during my interview with Kyle and Dave,
which also aligns with my research is the importance of being in a place that feels like home and
having a supportive community, as well as meaningful friendships. As I mentioned earlier, Kyle
and Dave have been friends for 12 years, and you can tell by the way they interact with each
other that they truly value their friendship. They also consider NSC a place that they can call
home. In my research, I found that community and relationships are highly valued. Connection
and a sense of belonging are central to the well-being of adults with disabilities. Positive
relationship with family, friends, and peers often contribute to their happiness, and the
opportunity to build meaningful friendships is crucial (The Importance of Disability Advocacy |
NEILS, 2023).
One difference I noticed between my interviews and my research is the emphasis on
discrimination that adults with disabilities often face. According to Campbell (2019), research
indicates that people with disabilities may experience discomfort or anxiety when interacting
with disables individuals, which can lead to hesitation or avoidance. This creates a barrier to
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social inclusion and can contribute to a cycle of negative attitudes, preventing people with
disabilities from being seen as full participants in society. However, during my interviews with
Kyle and Dave, they appeared seasoned in interacting with people without disabilities. They
didn’t seem to experience much discrimination, but rather more support. In fact, I didn’t feel
uncomfortable being around them at all. As someone with limited prior interaction with this
group, I found myself to feel surprisingly comfortable.
Surprising Information Gathered from the Interviews
One of the most surprising things I learned from the interviews was that both Kyle and
Dave enjoyed high school. When I asked about their experiences, I expected to hear negative
stories about being bullied or feeling isolated. This assumption came from my own experiences
where I often saw students with disabilities only interacting within their own groups and not
having many friendships outside of them. I also noticed that people with disabilities are often
overlooked in situations such as fire drills where there are no additional resources to help them
evacuate is elevators are unavailable. This oversight can make them feel forgotten or like a “lost
cause” when there is no one to step in assist them.
Another eye-opening aspect I learned was the long waitlist that people with disabilities
often face when trying to access government services. Without organizations like Next Step
Clubhouse, many people with disabilities would lack the resources and support they need,
leaving them without opportunities to form friendships or have experiences like those without
disabilities. Lastly, I was also surprised to learn more about Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop. When
Kyle mentioned working there, he described it as simply just a coffee shop. However, upon
doing my own research I discovered that it is a movement promoting human rights disguised as a
coffee shop. With multiple locations across the United States, Bitty & Beau’s employs over 400
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individuals with IDD. It is a place where diversity is not only appreciated but celebrated (Bitty &
Beau’s Coffee | It’s More than a Cup of Coffee, n.d.).
How This Experience Personally Impacted Me
Through this immersion experience, I have developed a deeper sense of responsibility for
advocacy and a stronger understanding of the need for patience and empathy when interacting
with adults with disabilities. Prior to this, while I understood the concept of social justice, I
didn’t fully realize the personal role I play in fostering meaningful change. Learning about the
challenges that adults with disabilities face, such as the long waitlists for services and limited
social opportunities, has made me more aware of the importance of advocating for policies and
practices that improve access to resources and reduce barriers. This situation reminds me of other
essential services sought by marginalized communities that also face long-waitlists. This
highlights the urgent need for action to address these delays and ensure timely support. I now
feel a stronger drive to support and engage in conversations that address these issues, whether it
is through speaking up in my community or pushing for more inclusive policies on a larger scale.
This experience has also taught me the crucial role of patience when supporting
individuals with disabilities, especially those with IDD, who require more assistance. For
example, during the trivia game, the instructor asked simple questions based on favorite Disney
characters and instructed participants not to move to the other side until they answered the
question. Some individuals found it difficult to follow this instruction, but the instructor showed
great patience, allowing them the time they needed. This made me realize how often society
rushes through interactions or imposes timelines. Spending time with Kyle and Dave made me
understand the importance of letting individual’s move at their own pace. The time and space
they need to express themselves and make decisions are vital for their independence and dignity.
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Additionally, I realized that this same level of patience is needed when working with any group,
especially those I may not have had previous interaction with. I will now approach every
interaction with a greater sense of patience, understanding that some things cannot be rushed and
that everyone deserves to be heard and respected in their own time.
Seeing firsthand the challenges that adults with various disabilities face has been
incredibly humbling. I have always been aware of my ability to navigate the world without
significant barriers, however, witnessing others who don’t have that same privilege has deepened
my appreciation for the obstacles they encounter daily. This experience has reminded me to
approach others with more kindness and understanding, avoiding judgement. It has also inspired
me to become a stronger advocate for those whose voices are often overlooked.
Key Takeaways from Interacting with a Culturally Different Population
Engaging with individuals during this immersion experience taught me valuable lessons
that I can apply when working with other populations. First, I learned the importance of
understanding the complexity of individual needs. While working with people with disabilities, I
realized that each person’s challenges are unique, even within the same group. This insight has
taught me to avoid generalizing and instead focus on each individual’s unique story and context.
Moving forward, I will take a more personalized approach when working with any population,
understanding that everyone’s needs are shaped by their own experiences. I also discovered the
power of flexibility in communication. Effective communication is not a one-size-fits-all
approach, and I learned that adjusting my language, tone, or delivery method is essential for
ensuring understanding, especially when engaging with individuals who have different
disabilities or cultural backgrounds. I plan to apply this insight by adjusting my communication
to suit the different needs of future clients. Lastly, I realized how important it is to build trust and
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rapport, particularly when a group has encountered systems that failed to serve them or treated
them with skepticism. By actively listening, showing genuine care, and taking the time to
establish a connection, I can build trust that makes collaboration more effective. This lesson not
only applies to the population I interacted with during the immersion experience, but to any
group I work with in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my immersion experience at The Next Step Clubhouse has significantly
deepened my understanding of the challenges and needs faced by adult with disabilities. Through
my interviews with Kyle, Dave, and my experience at NSC, I gained a great appreciation for the
individuality of each person’s experience, the importance of patience, and the need for flexibility
in communication. I also gained valuable insights into the independence, strength, and capability
that people with disabilities possess. The valuable lessons I’ve learned such as the need for
fostering independence, respecting personal pacing, and tailoring communication strategies will
guide my future work with diverse populations. Moreover, the challenges NSC faces, such as
long waitlists for federal support and the lack of adequate funding, reinforced the need for
advocacy and greater access to services for marginalized populations. I now approach my
interactions with a greater sense of empathy and awareness, knowing that every person deserves
to be treated with understanding and respect, regardless of their abilities. Moving forward, I am
committed to advocating for more inclusive policies and providing support to those who need it,
especially in a world where individuals with disabilities are often overlooked. We need more
places like Next Step Clubhouse and Bitty & Beaus Coffee shop, where adults with disabilities
can find a sense of belonging in environments that nurture their personal growth and provide
support they need to thrive.
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