Summary

I just want to say that I had a great time in Ghana. I made it home safely, and I am very grateful for all the wonderful experiences I had and people I got to meet.

We got to have a Skype chat with Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, and it was such a wonderful conversation. I think we were all a little starstruck. He shared so much of his inspiration with us, and I am excited to see how his endeavors progress over the next few years. You can visit his website here to learn more about his projects: http://www.emmanuelsdream.org/

On our last day we visited the New Horizons school, and that was both exciting and educational. I was very happy about what I saw at this school and about talking with the students we got to meet. This school is doing an exceptional job of increasing awareness while providing education and encouragement to its students. I could feel the warmth and good energy as we moved from classroom to classroom, and as we spoke with the students and teachers. Here is a great blog by one of the students: http://www.mukeeydisabilityconsult.blogspot.com/

As some final thoughts trickle through my head, I just want to say that I appreciated all of the hospitality and kindness that we received from the people we met in Ghana. I may have had a few critical thoughts or questions in regard to some of the attitudes or circumstances that we came across in various situations, but I feel that in order to evolve as humans, we (the human race) need to continually challenge and question. If we don't push for more, we remain stagnant in ways that may not benefit all members of society. I don't think this is a uniquely American or Western perspective. Humans all over the world want (and deserve) to be treated with respect and dignity and have the opportunity for happiness, whatever that means to them. Unfortunately, those things are not always a given and sometimes you have to fight for them.

As we learned about universal design, I couldn't help but think that the concept should apply to rights and attitudes as well as environment. And in speaking with some Ghanaians, I think there are quite a few of the younger generation who feel that equal rights for those with disabilities is not only fair, but necessary. I hope that this points to positive things to come in Ghana's future.