Understanding Our Differences
Last week, 4th grade had our second program from Understanding Our Differences. The program focused on physical disabilities. The three stations allowed students to dig into what life might be like for people with various physical impairments.
Station 1: Adaptive Equipment
Purpose:
- To show how universal design is useful for EVERYONE
- To show how aids and adaptive equipment can help a person with physical disabilities to do everyday tasks
- To recognize that technology is playing an increasingly important role in allowing people with physical disabilities to function independently
- To appreciate that it may take extra time for a person with a physical disability to complete a task
- To recognize that some people with physical disabilities may need assistance from other people
Station 2: Where's the Barrier
Purpose: To teach students about architectural and natural barriers that
prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in activities
they need or want to do
Station 3: Communication Boards
Purpose:
- To recognize that technology plays an increasingly important role in allowing people with physical disabilities to communicate more easily
- To understand that without communication a person can feel, and in fact can be, isolated
After all the stations, the students had an opportunity to meet with Matan. Matan has physical impairments and speaks to students about his life, allowing them to openly ask questions. He said that he hopes students will encounter people with physical differences and that the disability will not be the first and only thing they see.
To see more photos from the day, click here.
