How to Observe National Disabilities Awareness Month in the Classroom

Established by Congress in 1988, October is month in which we honor extraordinary individuals with disabilities and create awareness of the ongoing battle for their fair treatment in schools and the workplace. Follow these steps to observe this month in your classroom

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Introduce the term disability. Allow the students to express a time when they could not change a situation or do something for themselves. Explain how individuals with disabilities face these situations everyday.
2. Create a gallery within your classroom highlighting prominent citizens who persevered despite their disabilities. President Roosevelt and Helen Keller are excellent candidates for this presentation. Students should learn that a disability does not limit the success a person can achieve.
3. Locate businesses within your community that employ the disabled and invite the owners as guest speakers. Allow them to explain the importance of ignoring biases and ignoring appearances when hiring someone.
4. Show classroom-friendly videos that focus on individuals with disabilities. Allow the students to create a public service announcement and present it to local businesses to reinforce the purpose of National Disabilities Awareness Month.
5. Support and attend the Special Olympics in your community. This annual event highlights the athleticism of individuals with disabilities. Allow your students to volunteer to work as assistants or simply support the event with their presence.