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Furman student to host Twitter Q&A for physically disabled


Last updated April 24, 2014

By News administrator

Luke Christie

Luke Christie

Luke Christie, a Furman University student who serves as National Youth Chairman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, will host a live Twitter Q&A Tuesday, April 29 to offer advice about navigating college and professional life with a physical disability.

The live Q&A will begin at 3:10 p.m. (EST) and last one hour.  Twitter users can participate in the event by tweeting their questions using #AskLDC.

Christie, a junior communication studies major from Due West, is affected by spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles. He drives a power wheelchair for mobility and works with two personal care assistants.

Christie said he wants to raise awareness of the challenges persons with physical disabilities face in transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.  He will address concerns such as campus accessibility; school and workplace accommodations; living with roommates; working with caregivers; traveling; and balancing healthcare needs with school, work and social demands.

“I think the Twitter Q&A has a lot of potential for spurring positive dialogue about the common concerns of those in the disability and collegiate/professional communities,” Christie said. “I encourage everyone who has a physical disability, as well as family members, friends and colleagues of those with physical disabilities, to join the conversation. I also welcome questions from college/university administrators and major employers about working with people with disabilities.”

Since coming to Furman in 2011, Christie has taken an active role in promoting equitable inclusion of persons with disabilities in the collegiate and professional communities. He is a member of Furman’s Kappa Alpha Order and serves as the fraternity’s service chairman.

In his role as National Youth Chairman, Christie works alongside high school and college-age youth in their fundraising and awareness-raising efforts for MDA. For over a decade, he has promoted the association’s life-saving mission at conventions and public events, in the media, and as a co-host of the MDA Show of Strength Telethon.

For more information about the Twitter Q&A, contact Luke Christie at luke.christie@furman.edu. More information about his work with MDA is available online.

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