Profile of a Disability Advocacy Rock Star: Macy Klein Q&A Part 2

Since we’re all held up in our homes, each  doing our part to flatten the curve of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, I thought it would be a good time to (virtually) sit down with my niece Macy out in Omaha, Nebraska, for a good old-fashioned, long-distance, Q&A.

You know the old Army slogan, “we do more before 8 a.m. than most people do all day”. Well when it comes to disability advocacy, my niece Macy Klein has gotten more done before age 16 than most people do in their entire lifetime.

Here is how the second half of our conversation went:

Chris: How has working with individuals with disabilities given you a different perspective on life? Your interactions with others?

Macy: It has shown me what it means to be inclusive. It starts by showing empathy, and not saying disrespectful things, but it is so much more than that. It is always having an open mind and valuing everyone for their unique contributions. It is having patience for them to learn and to warm up to you. It means fighting for their rights, which they have worked so hard for, and deserve – times 1,000. Lastly, it is just being able to treat them like just another friend, classmate or acquaintance.

Chris: What would you say have been some of the biggest influences in your life?

Macy: Some of my biggest influences are my family, teachers, friends and colleagues. They are so passionate about the Inclusion Revolution, and have shown me what kind of person I can be, by demonstrating the amazing people they are themselves. Their positivity, inclusion and uplifting spirits illuminate around them and make everyone they interact with want to have the same impact in their own life.

Chris: What are some of the things that you are most passionate about? 

Macy: In addition to being an activist for people of all abilities, I am also very passionate about women’s rights, computer science and my schoolwork. I also enjoy watching and playing basketball. I am heavily involved in the music program at my school. I participate in choir, show choir and two show choir bands. I also play saxophone in BluesEd’s Us and Them Blues Band. BluesEd is an award-winning program that has been honored for “Keeping The Blues Alive.” Additionally, my band was selected to represent Nebraska at the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2019!

Chris: What are your plans for after high school?

Macy: After high school I want to go to college and earn a degree in computer science. I would like to continue being involved in the unified scene – it would be a blast to help coach one day – as well as continue playing music with a band.

Chris: What would your dream job look like?

Macy Klein with her “Shero”, Sarah Burch

Macy: My dream job would combine my knowledge in the computer science field to program an app or any useful technology for kids with different abilities. It would be a dream come true if I could incorporate music into my future job through computers or technology.

Chris: Who is your hero?

Macy: I love the term “Shero”! For me, Sarah Burch, the very first ACP teacher I got to know at Beadle Middle School has been someone that I look up to. She treats everyone equally, is the strongest advocate I have ever met and changes the lives of everyone who she comes into contact with. This summer, Ms. Burch is starting a new program called “PIE” or People Including Everyone. Every other month, she plans a fun outing like movies, bowling, baseball games, etc. and we all get to come together to socialize and have fun just like every other teen in our community.

Chris: What are some things that you would suggest people could do to start getting involved in the disability community?

Macy: I would suggest incorporating your personal interests when looking to get involved so you have an all-around fun, rewarding experience. If you really enjoy participating in a certain sport, you will probably have even more fun playing on that Unified Team. In addition, if you don’t know how or where to get involved, ask! There are so many wonderful resources and people out there to help you find information on where you can get involved locally. If you are nervous at first, try volunteering as a timekeeper at an event or finding a buddy and start volunteering together.

Chris: What would you say to someone who doesn’t think that they can make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities?

Macy: I would tell them that they are totally wrong! Everyone has the ability to make a difference, even if it's small, in the life of individuals with disabilities. Inclusion is within everyone’s capability. Start with a smile and watch a friendship bloom. Find someone and just start by saying “hi”!

Chris: Why do you do what you do?

Millard West Unified Basketball Team: ESPN National Unified Champion School

Macy: I do what I do because I love it. It has made me into the person I am, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. It has brought me so many positive friendships and relationships that I greatly value and pride myself on. Being with my friends is also just fun! They are all such incredible people to be around, regardless of their level of ability, and every day is an adventure with them.

Chris: Do you feel your generation is more accepting of individuals of differing abilities, and generally more inclusive? What suggestions would you have for us older generations?

Macy: I feel that my generation has generated more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and has been able to embrace the inclusive mindset a bit more than older generations. My suggestion for the older generation would be the same advice I give everyone else – embrace diversity and constantly keep an open mindset and include EVERYONE!

Chris: Macy, you are wise beyond your years. So, changing things up a bit – if you had three wishes, and you couldn’t use any of the wishes to ask for more wishes, what Caribbean island would you buy for me and Aunt Teresa?

Macy: I would buy you whichever island would allow you to walk into an adult card store and tell complete strangers what swear words were on a pair of socks before I have to interrupt you to say, “These aren’t your people, Uncle Chris” and usher you away. And, if I buy you an island, can you talk to my parents about getting me a car when I finally turn 16 during my junior year?

But if I actually had three wishes, I would wish for more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to get fulfilling jobs and participate in all aspects of our community, equal pay for women and for there to be more readily available technology to help us in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris: First of all, the correct answer is ‘Jamaica’. Second, I’m glad you brought up that embarrassing moment at the adult card shop. That was definitely my favorite memory of our trip to Omaha last May, closely followed by eating an entire graduation cake during the “Game of Thrones” series finale (which your mom had surprised us with after finding a friend on Facebook who was literally giving a whole cake away, the day after I complained that you hadn’t brought me a slice of graduation cake back from your friend’s open house that you had gone to), and getting our picture taken on a replica “Iron Throne” at that medieval themed mini-golf place. Third, of course – I will definitely do what I can to convince your parents to buy you a car. And finally, regarding your actual answer, could you be any more unselfish, thoughtful and overall amazing? I mean, I’m sitting here thinking we need to figure out how to clone more of you and your friends. You’re exactly what our world needs right now! 

A special thanks to my niece Macy Klein for doing this interview, and for all of her efforts to advocate on behalf of the disability community!