Similarity Awareness
Presentations & lesson plans focusing on diversity
Similarity
Awareness allows students, of all ages, to see that disabilities are
an important part of our society and should be embraced and understood.
Through group discussion, books and videos, a sense of community is
established between people with disabilities and the non-disabled
world. The goal of the program is to give students, teachers and administrators
the tools to discuss and explore the similarities we all share, regardless
of ability.
Each piece of the curriculum includes a specially designed presentation (length of presentation is flexible, depending on time constraints) by a Northeast Passage staff member (or members) and one or two lesson plan activities to be conducted by the classroom teacher, after the presentation is over.
Grades 2-3:
The focus of this lesson is on a story book,
written and illustrated by the staff of Northeast Passage. This story
encourages students to be friends with people with disabilities, to
ask questions and also increases awareness of the similarities students
with and without disabilities share. There are specific follow up
questions and discussion starters for the book. There are additional
activities that allow students to find similarities in people with
and without disabilities.
Grades 4-6:
This presentation looks at recreational activities
(such as artistic painting, rap music, rock music, dance, comedy and
sports) and compares a “performer” without a disability
to someone who does the same activity and has a disability. The video
clips, paired with current music and recognizable performers, encourage
students to look closely at the activities and to draw comparisons
between the two. This presentation will encourage students to look
at their own personal recreational activities and to explore the various
ways people with disabilities can participate in the very same activity.
Grades 7-9:
In this section, students will learn about the
concept of Universal Design (the design of products that are beneficial
to all people, regardless of ability) and general accessibility. The
use of videos and practical applications, in real world situations,
enhance this presentation and discussions. There is also a hands-on
modification activity for students to complete in small groups. Along
with the presentation, there is an additional take home assignment
that challenges students to find Universal Design examples in their
own homes and communities and an assessment to be completed afterwards.
Grades 10-12:
This lesson encourages students to
look at their own environment – to explore their own forms of
recreation and how it is adapted to suit specific needs. It also focuses
on increasing awareness of specific disabilities, familiar celebrities
living with disabilities, legislation, equipment and person-first
terminology. This section includes a “media search”
assignment that asks students to critique the ability and portrayal
of people with disabilities in today’s culture.
Wheelchair Sports:
Northeast Passage offers this option for all grade levels. We will
bring chairs and accessories to play a variety of indoor wheelchair
sports at your school. This experience teaches non-disabled students
that using a wheelchair while playing a sport takes skill and practice,
it's challenging, athletic and fun. This option can be reserved alone
or in conjunction with a presentation.
About the Presenter:
Chandler Bullard began his career as an elementary school counselor.
In 2001, he became the assistant director of Easter Seals’ Southern
California Camp Respite, a camp for children with and adults with
physical and cognitive disabilities, and became its director two years
later. In 2006, as the director of Easter Seals’ Day Program,
he provided professional skills and training to adults with disabilities.
Also while at Easter Seals, he initiated a new program, “It
Starts With Me” that was designed to train all employees about
the needs of clients and to increase sensitivity towards those needs.
Chandler, a New Hampshire native and advocate for diversity awareness,
acquired a spinal cord injury 14 years ago and studied at George Washington
University and San Diego Sate University.
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Additional Information: Rates include age specific lesson plans to reinforce the learning objectives of each presentation. Presentations and rates can be modified by time and group size. We will do our best to accommodate your school’s needs. |
For more information or to reserve a presentation contact: Chandler Bullard at 603-862-0070 or by e-mail at chandler.bullard@unh.edu
