The Office of Disability Services, along with Delta Alpha Pi National Honors Society, welcomed guest speaker Trisha Downing to share her inspirational story with Southeastern on Monday, Feb. 21.  The speech was held in the University Center to best accommodate Downing along with any other disabled student wanting to hear the story she shared. The story she shared told of the accident that paralyzed her from the chest down, and put her in a wheelchair in 2001.

Downing discussed the biggest obstacles she faced. This obstacle was herself and the way she viewed herself after the accident.

Downing was always known as an athlete, doing everything from swimming to cycling. Her main focus at the time closest to the accident was cycling.

“I wanted to reach the elite level of cycling,” said Downing.

She was biking the day of her accident along with a friend.  After reaching the top of a tough ride, the two began their descent and reached a road with an on-coming car.

“I felt sure the car saw two cyclists crossing,” said Downing.

Her judgment was incorrect and the car hit her, paralyzing Downing. She shared that when she was lying on the ground all she could feel was the warmth of the street on her upper back and nothing lower on her body than that. The events that occurred after the accident is what many Southeastern students were eager to hear.

Downing shared her struggles with not being able to play sports or compete after her accident.  The hardest thing for her was to no longer be known for what she had always been recognized for. Many coaches and therapists helped Downing regain most of her willpower and athletic ability. She began to form goals and compete athletically once more.  The Office of Disabilities also had members attend, which allowed those who may have needed to hear Downing’s story the most an opportunity to gain inspiration.

For more information on Downing or getting involved with the Office of Disability, contact them at 985-549-2246 or via e-mail at [email protected].