Student organization spotlight: Student Council for Exceptional Children

17 Aug 2016     By Kelcey Buck

One of four student organizations within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) is open to all students, with a passion for helping individuals with disabilities being the unifying factor for members.

Senior Maddie Lorenzen, UNL SCEC president, was drawn to the organization because of her own love for working with individuals with disabilities. Lorenzen’s oldest brother has an intellectual disability, and she credits growing up with him as what fueled her passion for helping others.

“I have learned so much from Jordan, and he changed my life for the better,” Lorenzen said. “I focus on his abilities and interests rather than his disabilities, and I hope that through involvement in SCEC, members can do the same for all individuals. It’s really all about focusing on ways to promote kindness and respect toward everyone.”

The SCEC participates in a variety of activities that benefit individuals with disabilities throughout the community. One activity the club is particularly involved in is the Iowa Miss Amazing Pageant, which is an annual pageant for girls and women with disabilities. Lorenzen serves as the state director for the pageant, and has gotten her fellow SCEC members involved as volunteer buddies for the participants, supporting them through the interview and onstage introductions, and crowning their buddies at the end of the pageant.

In addition, the group participates in the Polar Plunge each year to raise money for Special Olympics, and volunteers at other opportunities as they arise throughout the year. At their meetings, the SCEC members discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities, address issues facing individuals with disabilities in society, and focus on aspects that further prepare them to be supportive and compassionate both in their chosen careers and in working with others in general. 

UNL’s SCEC chapter meets the first Tuesday of each month. Anyone interested in joining can request to join the Facebook group, UNL Student Council for Exceptional Children, where all of the group’s information is posted.