Reid Hintz has a joint disorder called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
Reed wanted to share her experiences with students to help others understand what it’s like to have a physical disability.
“That will encourage more people to participate in the disability world,” Reid told CHAT News after his speech.
Currently, the class is doing a module on how physical disabilities affect children and their families.
The class’ instructor, Linda Langevin, said she has known Reed since he was a baby and chose him to speak because of his outgoing personality.
“When you have a real human being who speaks that well, it has a lifelong impact.” [the students]” said Langevin.
For student Jordan Huntley, Reed’s speech made an immediate impact.
“He’s just so inspiring, that’s the only word I can use,” Huntley said.
Student Rohit Kaushel will treasure his conversation with Reid as he hopes to one day own his own educational facility for the disabled.
“He jokes around and has a lot of humor. He’s very adaptable to what he’s going through and that really inspires me,” Kaushel said.
Reed said he hopes he has been able to teach students the right and wrong ways to interact with people with disabilities.
“I hope they’ll talk to us with respect,” Reed said.
Reed hopes to do more speaking at colleges in the future.
Students were enthralled and Langevin is confident Reed will be back soon.