A Journey of Advocacy, Friendship, and Achievement
Recently, Samantha Lurwick, a graduate of LVCIL’s transition programs, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Hall of Fame. A representative from the PA Special Olympics surprised her with the announcement during basketball practice.
“It was exciting,” she said.
At the Hall of Fame celebration at Penn State, Samantha gave a speech thanking the people who supported her journey. She also reflected on 20 years of being a Special Olympics athlete and the nine sports she has participated in. Her favorite sports? Basketball and volleyball. The weekend included meeting community leaders and carrying the torch to start the state games. But for Samantha, the most important part of Special Olympics has always been the people. Those friendships and experiences began years earlier through programs at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. Through youth programs, leadership activities, and advocacy experiences, she learned how to speak up for herself and ask for what she needed. One of her earliest lessons in self-advocacy came after attending a transition conference with the CIL, where she learned about accommodations. “I’m short, and I need stepstools,” she explained.
She took that knowledge back to school and requested accommodations for herself, an important step toward independence. Over the years, Samantha has continued to advocate for herself and others. She has spoken with legislators, participated in awareness events, read to students during Read Across America, and shared her story with younger generations. She also gives back as a certified Special Olympics Young Athletes coach, working with children ages 2-7.
Beyond athletics, Samantha works as an office assistant, participates in a book club, attends dance and fitness classes, and stays connected with a wide circle of friends, many of whom she met through the CIL programs. When asked what she wants people to understand about people with disabilities, her answer is simple:
“Treat us the same.”
And when asked what she can do, she doesn’t hesitate:
“I can do anything.”
Samantha Lurwick’s journey is a reminder that with opportunity, support, and inclusion, people with disabilities can lead, contribute, and inspire their communities.
