Community Ability Awareness

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NEW - Community Ability Awareness

Community Ability Awareness

Letter to Community

General Ability Awareness

Information and Activities for Specific Disabilities

This site contains resources and activities to help our community have a better understanding of common disabilities. It is hoped that these materials be used to gain better awareness and acceptance so that our children, youth and adults with disabilities can participate as fully as possible in the heart, soul, and life of our community.

The activities are designed to be used by anyone with an interest in fostering better understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. It is anticipated that they may be used by:

Youth groups

Scout troops

Sports team leaders

General education teachers

Sunday school and Torah school teachers

Adult groups

The information includes general resources about disabilities, as well as detailed information and activities for specific disabilities. It is hoped that the specific disability information will be used to better welcome a person with that disability into the class or group.

The experiential activities are organized by age level to assist group leaders in selecting those that would be best understood by their group, but you are welcome to change and accommodate to meet your own needs.

The SELPA offers an "Ability Awareness" program for elementary and middle schools with experiential activities to better undersand how to support people with disabilities.

Many of the activities may address California Department of Education Health Education Content Standards and are encouraged for use by general education teachers in teaching health units and/or courses:

2.1.4- Discuss how to show similarities and differences between and among individuals and groups

2.7.3- Show respect for individual differences

3.8.2- Advocate for a positive and respectful school environment

5.1.5- Recognize that there are individual differences in growth and development

6.1.14- Examine the importance of being empathetic to individual differences, including people with disabilities and chronic diseases

6.2.6- Analyze the external and internal influences on mental, emotional and social health

6.8.4- Encourage a school environment that is respectful of individual differences

7.8.7.11- Practice respect for individual differences and diverse backgrounds

7.8.8.7- Advocate for a positive and respectful school environment

HS 2.10- Examine the internal and external issues related to seeking mental health assistance

HS 7.8- Practice respect for individual differences and diverse backgrounds

HS 8.6- Advocate for the needs and rights of others regarding mental and social health

HS 8.7- Advocate for a positive and respectful environment at school and in the community

Thanks for your interest in promoting “Disability Awareness” in our community. Together we can make a world where everyone is valued and appreciated for who they are as a person, despite any disability or special needs.

Please give us your comments on how this site worked for you.