On Oct. 20, Disability Resource Services will hold its 11th annual UW-Whitewater Cornerstones for Success wheelchair basketball program, a dynamic celebration of resilience, unity and potential in each of us.  

Ten years ago, Disability Resource Services (DRN) first hosted the Cornerstones for Success program. The birth of the wheelchair basketball event is a testament to Madison College’s unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion and celebrating human potential.   

Our journey began with a realization that inclusivity goes beyond rhetoric and requires concrete actions, breaking down barriers and forging genuine connections. With this in mind, the college sought to create an event that educated and celebrated the unique perspectives and abilities of individuals with diverse physical capabilities.   

The idea of a wheelchair basketball event emerged as a powerful vehicle for our goal. Known for teamwork, strategy, and athleticism, basketball is the perfect platform to showcase an athlete’s incredible skills and resilience. As we watched the athletes maneuver a wheelchair, we saw how it captured the spirit of Disability Awareness Month.  

The debut was not just a game but a profound statement — a declaration that disability is not a limitation but an aspect of diversity that enriches the fabric of our community.  

The initial success and positive impact on campus culture fueled the college’s determination to turn the wheelchair basketball event into an annual tradition. It became a cornerstone of a platform for breaking stereotypes, fostering empathy, and promoting a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals with mobility impairments face. 

Since the beginning, the wheelchair basketball event has become a cornerstone of Disability Awareness Month, symbolizing the college’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of abilities, feels accepted and celebrated. It’s more than a game of transformative celebration of diversity, resilience, and teamwork. 

We hold this annual event to shatter stereotypes, reshape narratives, and foster a community where diversity isn’t just acknowledged but embraced. In other words, this event is a catalyst for change.   

Join us on Oct. 20 to see the strength of every individual, where wheels on the court echo the resounding call for a more inclusive and understanding world.