Disability Awareness
Look around our classroom — do you notice how we’re all a little bit different?
Some of us have curly hair, some have straight hair. Some of us wear glasses, some don’t. Some of us love math, and some of us shine in art or sports.
Just like flowers in a garden, our differences make the world colorful and interesting!
Sometimes, people have differences you can see, like using a wheelchair or wearing hearing aids. Other times, their differences are things you can’t see, like learning in a different way or needing extra time to think.
Today, we’re going to talk about how our differences make each of us special — and how we can show kindness, respect, and inclusion to everyone, no matter what makes them unique.
We are going to listen to a story about a little boy who doesn’t communicate in the same way that most of us do. He uses an iPad to communicate. To communicate his thoughts and feelings, he pushes buttons that speak words for him.
As you can see, although he communicates in a very different way, we all have a lot in common! I bet a whole bunch of you would order chicken nuggets and fries - just like he did! Now we are going to watch a video about a disability called Autism. How many of you know someone with Autism? Let’s learn a little bit more about it!
Autism
Some people have Autism. Autism is a way some people’s brains work that makes them see, hear, and understand the world differently.
Everyone’s brain is unique — autism just means someone’s brain works in its own special way!
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is when a person is born with an extra chromosome — a tiny part inside our bodies that helps tell us how to grow.
This extra piece makes their body and brain develop in their own special way.
People with Down syndrome can learn, play, and do many of the same things as everyone else — they just might need more time or a little extra help.
Different Ways of Communicating
Some people with disabilities use words to talk, and others use pictures, devices, or gestures.
All ways of communicating are important and help us share our ideas and feelings.
Learning Differences
Some people learn differently than others. For some students, math or reading may be extra challenging! A learning disability means that a person’s brain learns things in a different way.
It doesn’t mean they aren’t smart — it just means they might need to learn in a way that works best for them.
Embracing Differences
Children in wheelchairs can play and have fun too!
Wheelchair
Glasses help kids see clearly and join in activities.
Glasses
Hearing aids help kids listen and connect with friends.
Hearing Aid
Technology can support learning and play for everyone.
Assistive Technology
We ALL have strengths and weaknesses!
Welcoming everyone makes our community stronger and happier together!
Listening shows respect and helps us understand each other better!
Including others creates friendships and makes everyone feel valued and loved!
Acceptance and Kindness Matter!
Kindness Makes Us Stronger
Together, we can celebrate our differences and unique abilities!
Now we are going to do an activity that will really show how unique we all are - yet we are all special and have so much to contribute here at Hawkins! For this game, we are going to get up and move around. I am going to ask you a series of questions. If your answer is yes, go to that (point) side of the room. If the answer is no, go to that (point) side of the room. I think we are going to be surprised by what we have in common!
Do you wear glasses or know someone who does?
Have you ever worn a cast, brace, or used crutches?
Do you know anyone who uses a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility tool?
Have you ever had trouble hearing or met someone who uses hearing aids?
Do you know someone who communicates with sign language or a communication device/iPad?
Have you ever needed extra help with schoolwork or a new skill?
Have you ever felt shy or nervous about trying something new?
Have you ever helped someone who needed a hand?
Today we learned that everyone has things that make them unique — and that’s what makes our classroom and our world so special. Some people might learn, move, or communicate in different ways, but everyone deserves kindness, respect, and a chance to belong. When we include others, celebrate differences, and help each other, we make our classroom a happier, stronger community. Remember — there’s no one else exactly like you, and that’s your superpower! And as a special treat, everyone today will be getting a bracelet and a pencil to celebrate that here at Hawkins, we CHOOSE TO INCLUDE everyone!