Speaker for Physical Disabilities

"How do you make breakfast?" " Can you tie your shoes?" "How do you drive a car?"
These were some of the questions the kindergarten class asked yesterday when they met our speaker for physical disabilities, Keven Calleren or "Mr. Kevin" as he asked us to call him. Kevin is missing most of his left arm and hand and related to the kids all he CAN do despite his disability. Some of the activities included, golf, baseball, skiing, push-ups (which he demonstrated) and changing a diaper!
Kevin was a perfect speaker for the program because he's a dad at the school and he openly shared his experiences. His warm sense of humor helped the students be comfortable. He talked to the children about not being afraid to engage in a conversation with someone with a disability and to realize they are just the same but just happen to have a disability.
What transpired yesterday is the most important goal of It's OK to be Different. The children learned that both the disability and the person who has it are very real. In this process, a friendship is developed. Thanks "Mr. Kevin" for being a friend to the kindergarten class at Tower Hill School.

2011 - Year of Acceptance

The author of My Princess Boy, Cheryl Kilodavis, has declared that 2011 should be a year of acceptance. I applaud her efforts to promote tolerance and acceptance and join her in this pledge. People fear what they don't know so we continue to remind everyone that we must begin with children and explore differences with them. I will continue to post literature that is dedicated to this purpose and My Princess Boy is one of them. Thanks go out to Ms. Kilodavis for her courage.