This freshman Dolphin, who has cerebral palsy, is majoring in Journalism.
By Liz Yanira Del Valle
Contributor
“Sagrado is making history with the support it provides to students with functional diversity. We all have potential, but we need to be given the opportunity. I found mine here in Sagrado,” said Dereck Canales Díaz, a freshman Dolphin at Sagrado Corazón University.
This young man, who has cerebral palsy and is legally blind, is grateful for the services of the functional diversity and special skills Student Support Program (PAE, Spanish acronym). He also appreciates its director, María Miranda, and the technology workshops of the Madre María Teresa Guevara Library.
Dereck relies on his listening abilities and speaking skills, for he does not read or write. His situation requires reasonable accommodation, which allows him to use resources such as screen readers and annotators, among others.
Thus, he was able to successfully graduate from high school, specializing in marketing. While there, he developed a microbusiness to sell cookies. Currently, this 18-year-old Sagrado freshman is enrolled in the Journalism Program of the Ferré Rangel School of Communication and, for now, will take his courses remotely from his home in Río Grande.
“I love radio. My goal? To become a professional and serve as a voice in the fight against discrimination -alive today in Puerto Rico- against patients with functional diversity.”
Dereck Canales Díaz, Journalism student at Sagrado
In addition to being a diligent student, Dereck is a fan of bowling and is already preparing to return to the Carolina bowling alley. He loves movies, music, and is active in the social work he does at his church.
“I don’t like math very much, although I recognize it is an important subject. I love political science. I want to be useful and independent, to work and show my capabilities, just as many people with functional diversity do. We do not want to continue being mistreated by the system,” said the young man, adding that Sagrado is in the lead in its sense of justice and respect for the population he represents.
There is no doubt that Dereck, who is emerging as a future student leader, is already making Sagrado proud. Welcome! Are you a student with functional diversity? Write for guidance to maria.miranda@sagrado.edu