Within the first seven seconds of meeting someone, we make over 50 conscious and subconscious judgments of the person we are about to interact with. As the interaction proceeds, our assumptions are proven either correct or incorrect. Very often, when a fully able-bodied person encounters a person with a disability, the disability is seen first and the person themselves second, if at all.
Because of this, The Society of Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) offers an outreach program entitled “Growth Through Inclusion” to schools, businesses and other organizations throughout the province.
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In February, Heather Hiscock from SMD spent a day with the Kindergarten to Grade 8 students at Onanole Elementary School (OES), with the goal of having the students become more aware of what it is like to live with a disability and, more specifically, to establish an environment where similarities are noted first and differences are respected, all the while, exploring the use of language that promotes the person rather than their disability.
To facilitate this learning, a variety of activity stations allowed students to experience certain disabilities, such as trying to listen when they were “hard of hearing.” At a second station, they read and then copied a paragraph, simulating accomplishing a new task while having a learning disability. At a third station, the children tried to complete daily activities with large mittens on, to limit their fine motor skills. They also had the opportunity to manoeuvre themselves in a manual wheelchair, between rows of desks, through narrow doorways and entrances without push-button door openers.
Although there was laughter, there was also frustration followed by profound empathy for those less able than themselves. It was an eye-opening experience as the students’ assumptions about what it means to be disabled were challenged, and they realized that their own school could use some improvements to remove barriers. “After experiencing first hand some of the challenges faced, the hope is that the students will be more committed to making changes within their environment and have a more inclusive attitude,” said Hiscock.
With some special equipment on loan from SMD, the OES students competed in their own Paralympic Event. Equipment included balls with bumps that are easier to grasp, Frisbees with lots of grip around the outside, balls with large holes and of course, wheelchairs.
“The event was amazing!” said OES principal, Laurie Bachewich. “The kids all attended a station where they had to reflect on what they learned. They all commented that disabilities do not prevent anything. People living with disabilities are as able to accomplish their dreams as anyone else.”
Bachewich said the Grade 7/8 class bowled with the Minnedosa Special Olympic Team. “Barriers fell almost immediately, as they became friends and had a blast!” she said. The students experienced the real-life value of determination, sportsmanship and encouragement.
If you think this experience would be beneficial for your school, business or community group, contact Heather Hiscock, Department of Community Education and Training at The Society of Manitobans with Disabilities at 1-204-975-3100, or [email protected].
