Spring Break
Nothing stops this Mustang Band percussionist
Morgan Parmet, Contributing Wrtier, mparmet@smu.edu
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
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"I've never been on the field before-in the middle of the field," Leon said. "It wasn't that intimidating at first. It still isn't. I never really get nervous."
One of the four other snare drummers that march along side Leon is Michael Clinton. Ever since band camp, Clinton has noticed how confident Leon acts around everyone.
"He has a great sense of humor and he's comfortable enough to make fun of himself," Clinton jokes as he remembers a time when he was too tired to carry his drum. "It had been a really long day outside and we were all exhausted. I turned to him and said 'I'm so tired. Ricardo, can you carry my drum for me?'"
Clinton has also seen how the CMT has been difficult on Leon. Bandmates have to help carry his drum for him. There is no handicap section where the band plays in the stands. Leon's dad has to brace him and help him walk down the stairs to get to his seat.
A few buildings around campus have also been a challenge. There are some places where Leon wishes for a ramp. He had to switch his classes from Dallas Hall to Clements Hall because his wheelchair was not able to fit in the elevator.
SMU's Rebecca Marin, coordinator for Services for Students with Disabilities, is there to help. She makes sure that students with disabilities are able to get around campus easily and have access to programs and activities, giving them the same opportunity to be successful. On average, 325 to 350 students register their disabilities with the school each semester. Marin believes six to 10 percent of students have disabilities. Only three students on campus are registered with wheelchairs.
"The vast majority of students who seek services or accommodations through my office are individuals with hidden disabilities, particularly learning disabilities and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder," Marin said.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states that individuals with disabilities may not be subject to discrimination. SMU makes sure to uphold to the standards with the help of Marin.
Leon goes to Marin whenever he needs help. When he first arrived at SMU, he had to send a few notes to Marin asking her to have maintenance fix the Umphrey Lee automatic door button. He said at one point there was no button. It was just wires sticking out.
"I've had some door issues," Leon said
Leon always makes the most of the situation he's in, Clinton said. He's always been positive. He's not afraid to ask for help.
"He always has a smile on his face," Clinton said, "always."
One of the four other snare drummers that march along side Leon is Michael Clinton. Ever since band camp, Clinton has noticed how confident Leon acts around everyone.
"He has a great sense of humor and he's comfortable enough to make fun of himself," Clinton jokes as he remembers a time when he was too tired to carry his drum. "It had been a really long day outside and we were all exhausted. I turned to him and said 'I'm so tired. Ricardo, can you carry my drum for me?'"
Clinton has also seen how the CMT has been difficult on Leon. Bandmates have to help carry his drum for him. There is no handicap section where the band plays in the stands. Leon's dad has to brace him and help him walk down the stairs to get to his seat.
A few buildings around campus have also been a challenge. There are some places where Leon wishes for a ramp. He had to switch his classes from Dallas Hall to Clements Hall because his wheelchair was not able to fit in the elevator.
SMU's Rebecca Marin, coordinator for Services for Students with Disabilities, is there to help. She makes sure that students with disabilities are able to get around campus easily and have access to programs and activities, giving them the same opportunity to be successful. On average, 325 to 350 students register their disabilities with the school each semester. Marin believes six to 10 percent of students have disabilities. Only three students on campus are registered with wheelchairs.
"The vast majority of students who seek services or accommodations through my office are individuals with hidden disabilities, particularly learning disabilities and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder," Marin said.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states that individuals with disabilities may not be subject to discrimination. SMU makes sure to uphold to the standards with the help of Marin.
Leon goes to Marin whenever he needs help. When he first arrived at SMU, he had to send a few notes to Marin asking her to have maintenance fix the Umphrey Lee automatic door button. He said at one point there was no button. It was just wires sticking out.
"I've had some door issues," Leon said
Leon always makes the most of the situation he's in, Clinton said. He's always been positive. He's not afraid to ask for help.
"He always has a smile on his face," Clinton said, "always."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Carleigh Fite
posted 10/19/07 @ 6:13 PM CST
Whew! What a fantastic contributing writer!
And what a cool guy she has written about!
Keep it up, Daily Campus!
Cynthia Dooley
posted 10/20/07 @ 2:52 PM CST
Enjoyed reading this inspiring article. SMU is fortunate that this fine young man chose to attend there. I'm glad to know that SMU cares about its students with disabilities and makes sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else. (Continued…)
Gloria Kenyon
posted 10/22/07 @ 9:12 AM CST
Way to go Ricardo!
Michael Donawho
posted 10/22/07 @ 10:07 PM CST
Reading this article about such a fine young man reveals a clear vision of what can lay ahead. Maybe with some cheering on, he will first try a blue mask along with some PVC pipes before designing the next Sears Tower. (Continued…)
Laura Meeks
posted 10/31/07 @ 10:26 AM CST
I have known Ricardo's family for years and followed his successes at Bishop Lynch. After seeing Ricardo on the field, my pleasure in his decision to attend SMU was coupled with my pride in the university for recognizing this outstanding young man would certainly be an asset to the campus. (Continued…)
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