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.

Empowering Bystanders

Another great book for every household and classroom is say something written by Peggy Moss. I have said for a long time that bullying is often enabled by the bystander so we need to teach kids that they can help one another. As a adult it is difficult to stand by and hear a racial joke or listen to someone use the R word, but we must "say something" and we need to help kids do the same. say something will help start the dialogue.

Brian, It's OK ambassador

I love to relate the story of Brian, a kindergarten student who last year spread the message of respect, easily. As part of the Understanding Disabilities segment of It's OK, we had been part of Arc's campaign to eliminate the "R" word (retard) from our vocabulary. When he heard his grandmother using the word, he politely explained, "We don't use that word anymore because it may hurt someone's feelings." His grandmother's gracious response was, "Thank you and tell me more so that I can let my friends know." This is one more illustration of how young children can be the ones who help promote understanding. Thank you Brian.

It's OK Ambassador

Operation Respect

Recently, I had the priviledge of hearing Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary) speak and perform. It was not only wonderful to hear him sing but I was also moved by his passion to teach children respect. I have used materials from his program, "Operation Respect," and highly recommend his song and accompanying video, "Don't Laugh at Me." Also, one of the points that Peter Yarrow repeatedly made was that we need to empower the bystanders. We have to teach children to have the courage to speak out or step in to protect their friends. I am constantly expressing this message and will continue to make this a part of It's OK to be Different.

Understanding Disabilities - Visually Impaired

Yesterday was our first "Hands-On" Day for the kindergarten class at Tower Hill. The kids went to 3 different stations where they experienced what it might be like, while blindfolded, to eat using a clock face to tell them where to find the food, reach into a bag to grab an object and try and guess what it was, and thirdly, walk down the hall using a walking stick as well as be a guide for the student who couldn't see. As always, the children loved the different activities. My favorite response when I asked them what they liked the most and why, was a girl who said she liked being the guide because she could tell the boy she was guiding, what to do! I love how the kids feel comfortable letting you know exactly how they feel.