The following is an exclusive interview with Kenny Russel ’27, president of the Rights for All Abilities Advocacy Club (RA3C). If you have any questions about RA3C, reach out to Kenny at kr4@icsd.k12.ny.us or contact the club’s advisor, Ms. Jordan.
RC: When/why did you get the idea for RA3C?
KR: I used to go to a small private school. During my time there, I felt like the school could get away with not following certain rules that helped kids. Because of that school, and not having enough resources, it made it hard to feel like I had mental health support there. I started to struggle during my final years in that school and I felt like they didn’t want me to succeed as my 504 plan wasn’t met. It felt like I was fighting against them, that students don’t get a say and we are seen as a problem if we have needs that aren’t “normal.” I realized how messed up that was because we all need to work together.
Going into high school, I did see similar patterns. Even if it was unintentional by the teachers and partly on me for not speaking out enough, I felt like I was still the problem. I noticed that we don’t have enough mental health support here either, and no education was being done about kids with disabilities or mental health disorders. This is partly due to the fact that we do not have enough funding, especially this year because of budget cuts. Because the drop-in center and a social worker were cut because of the budget, we need more resources now more than ever. So a few of us got the idea to start RA3C last year with a lot of people making it happen this year.
We wanted to create a space where we could be open about everything and also advocate for more resources, which not only helps us but also helps the teachers because they can’t do everything.
RC: What is your club’s mission?
KR: Our club’s main goal is to advocate for more resources available in the school like the drop-in center, but that can only really happen with more funding. We also aim to create a safe space for kids with disabilities and/or disorders.
RC: How has your reception of the club been so far? What do you see the club doing in the future?
KR: So far, around twenty students have attended and more people are interested but can’t attend the club because of conflicts. As for our long-term goals, I would love to see groups of students advocating to government officials so our school will get more funding and make a bigger community at IHS for kids of all abilities so people can feel heard and understood.
RC: How can interested students get involved with RA3C?
KR: Just drop by anytime if you can! All are welcome and it’s super fun! It’s in K123 during UL on Wednesday or Thursday—whichever is an A Day.
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