“It’s not the disability, but the ability,” Kyle Cox '18 said. “From an early age, this is a saying that has been ingrained into me by my mother. By choosing to focus on my abilities and what I can do rather than on what I cannot do, I can accomplish anything.
Cox was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle deteriorating disease, and a bilateral hearing impairment but that certainly did not stop him from becoming a member of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Cox learned a lot of the qualities he needed to advocate for people with disabilities from his mother, Kristen Cox. Cox’s mother served on the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and has traveled to Washington, D.C. to promote justice and equity for people with disabilities. By the time he made it to Texas A&M University’s campus, Cox knew that he wanted to follow his mother’s lead.
“My experience [at Texas A&M] was very rewarding,” Cox said. “I was highly involved during my 6 years here in numerous organizations and Texas A&M made me feel very included and welcomed. I was involved in Beta Upsilon Chi, Aggie Adaptive Sports, Symphonic Band, Hullabaloo pep band, the Bush School Ambassadors Council, Student Senate, Diversity Commission, and founded the Disability Subcommission.”
Now, after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public service, Cox has been appointed by Governor Abbott to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. Cox said that his experience in various roles in different organizations as an Aggie has prepared him for his new role.
“I’ve always had a passion to advocate for people with disabilities to be better included in their communities and so being on the state disability council allows me to make a difference for others with disabilities,” Cox shared. “It is a huge honor to be able to serve others on the state disability council.”
As Cox adjusts into his new role, he says that his Aggie background will remain.
“Being an Aggie is by far the best decision I’ve made,” Cox said. “It means exemplifying the Aggie core values, whether that means leading others in an organization, serving the community, or simply respecting others Being able to serve on the council exemplifies selfless service. That’s what Aggies do, they serve.”