Cheshire Home Presents Project ABLE to KRS 4th Graders

As a parent of children with special needs, I have been very involved in helping educate others about what it means to have a disability. We meet people every day who face daily struggles that we may or may not be aware of. Simple things that most of us take for granted, can be considered major accomplishments for others.  It is important to educate ourselves and our children and make them aware of difficulties people face.  It is a great way to help put an end to harrasment, intimidation and bullying that plagues our society today.  

This past week a group that I am a board member of, Parents and Professionals for Exceptional Children (PPEC), presented the Cheshire Home Project A.B.L.E. (Awareness By Learning Experience) program to the 4th graders at Kings Road School. This program was created to promote a greater understanding of the needs and challenges of disabled persons, and to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities, can live full and productive lives.

Two residents in wheelchairs along with the program moderatortor spoke to the students about different types of disabilities; and then the students partipated in experimental activities, such as a “wheelchair obstacle course.” This gave the students the opportunity to process, for themselves, the challenges faced by disabled persons. The students were encouraged to ask questions and it was very interesting watching them stuggle with certain tasks that they normally do regularly without even thinking about. They all gain a greater appreciation and understanding for the struggles that some people must face on a daily basis. Sometimes hands-on experience is the greatest lesson of all when it comes to preventing bullying. 

I'd like to thank the principal, teachers and all the parent volunteers who helped make this program happen. I'm sure the children learned a little bit more than how to read sign language, maneuver an obstacle course and button their shirts that day. 

PPEC presents programs district wide to the 4th and 5th graders in the areas of disability awareness. We have completed the 5th grade training on and will present this program to TJS and CAS before the end of April. If anyone would like information about PPEC and the programs it sponsors, please email me at kasz210@optonline.net.