Disability Awareness

Disability Awareness ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Disability Awareness--PURPOSE STATEMENT-- The purpose of this presentation is to educate and raise awareness about the many needs and abilities of persons with disabilities.

GOALS We want to help people understand that people with disabilities need more time to communicate, increased access to services and equipment, more time to be understood and sensitivity to the extra help that persons with disabilities may need. AND MOST IMPORTANT:

WE ARE ** PEOPLE FIRST **

ACTIVITY WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “PEOPLE FIRST”??? …LET’S DO AN ACTIVITY… Take your paper and write down 4 things that describe you

ACTIVITY ANYONE WANT TO SHARE THEIR 4???

Here are ours… MICHELLE • I am awesome • Caring and Thoughtful • I do Special Olympics • I enjoy sewing

Here are ours… SONIA • CARING • GIRLIE GIRL • OUTGOING • LOVES WORKIGN WITH CHILDREN

Here are ours… DREW • FUNNY • LIKES PEOPLE • PLAYFUL • LIKES JOKES AND TEASING

Here are ours… CHAUNTEE • READER • THINKS ABOUT OTHERS • MOVIE WATCHER • LIKES FAIRNESS

NOTICE… NONE OF US MENTIONED ‘DISABLED’ AS WHO WE ARE BECAUSE WE ARE **PEOPLE FIRST** Disability does not define us!

But What is ‘Disability’? • Webster’s Dictionary says: “A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities”

But What is ‘Disability’? (continued) • Sonia: “Something different about someone else that makes them unique.” • Michelle: “Sometimes I think it’s a pain in the butt! I didn’t ask to have it!”

What is Disability? (continued) • Chauntee: “Our disability DOES NOT define who we are – we can overcome it!” • Drew: “Problems with ears, eyes, legs. Everyone has a disability of some kind.”

How does disability happen? • A person can be born that way • A person can inherit it • A person can get sick • A person might be abused • A person can get into an accident • Getting old can lead to disability

Who can get a disability? Anyone and Everyone!

How many people are labeled as having a disability? • Millions of people are affected by disability every year • US Census estimates that 49.7 million persons are reported to have a disability

What are stereotypes of disability? ON THE BACK SIDE OF YOUR PAPER: WRITE DOWN 2 STEREOTYPES OF DISABILITY OR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY ANYONE WANT TO SHARE?? – IT’S OK, WE WON’T GET MAD ;-)

What are stereotypes of disability? – Our Ideas… • People treat you like a baby – we are adults • People think you need help when you don’t • People think you are weird or tease you – we are just like everyone else • Using the “r” word – STOP THE ‘R’ WORD! • People think we need taken care of—we don’t.

Stereotypes continued • That we are all mentally ill – we aren’t • That they can ‘catch it’ – you can’t • People treat you like you are an exhibit – we aren’t • People avoid you and don’t want to interact with you – talk to us like any one else • People think if you are deaf that you cannot talk – we can

How should you approach a person with a disability? • No difference—just the same as you would approach a person without a disability. We are all the same • Talk normally—like an adult—no baby talk • Learn some sign language • It’s ok to talk to us—do not be afraid • Give us time to communicate—be patient

Listen when talking with someone who may have difficulty speaking and wait for a response. BE PATIENT! Don’t pretend to understand. If needed ask yes or no questions, a nod of the head can answer.

When offering help, WAIT for an OK and then instruction.

- Speak directly to the person not to a personal assistant or interpreter. Maintain direct eye contact.

Always identify yourself and others when meeting a person who is blind and let the person know when you are leaving.

What we want to make sure you understand about disabilities… • Chauntee: “People are all different; “we are not just a disability—we have other qualities about us” • Michelle: “It takes time to understand someone”; “What can I not do?”

What we want to make sure you understand about disabilities (continued) • Drew: “Attitude is our only choice”; “We all have to be giving people what they need” • Sonia: “There are many different kinds of disabilities”; “even though we have disabilities, we are able to do many things”

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO US: • “Don’t look at our disabilities—look at us as a person because we have feelings just like you”; “Try to understand us—not talk for us”—Chauntee • “We can do anything that anybody else can but just a little slower but we get the job done.”--Michelle

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO US: • “We are people too—just like anyone else!”—Sonia • “We all can work and do anything just like ‘normal’ people; “ We are all beautiful…”--Drew

An important fact about “disabilities” • It is estimated that 54 million people or 20% of the population has some level of disability and 26 million have a severe disability but only 7 million use a visible device. • Most disabilities (85%) are hidden • In other words, they cannot be seen or recognized without knowing a person first.

Think about this… • Who has disabilities and how do you know?

Because We are Human, We Have Human Rights. • In the past, people with disabilities have not been treated as equals. But, that is changing. • In 2007, the United Nations passed a new law. • It says people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else. • It says all people with disabilities are equal before the law. • This law is called the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Rights • Respect for the individual • Inclusion in the community • Change in society

Respect for the Individual We have many rights that protect our basic human dignity, our bodies, and what we do at home. Here are four of those rights: • Equality • Safety • Family • Privacy

Inclusion in the Community We have many rights that help make sure we have an equal role in our community. Here are four of these rights: • Independent living • Work • Education • Health

Change in the Society Society has to change so that we have equal rights. Here are four of these rights: • Access • Political life • New attitudes • Culture

WHAT MY FUTURE HOLDS: • Chauntee: “I want to be a librarian.” • Michelle: “I will work more, make more money. I will make quilts. I will go out of state to compete in Special Olympics

WHAT MY FUTURE HOLDS: • Sonia: “I see myself being a teacher of either special ed or kindergarten working with kids, helping them and watching them grow. • Drew: “What can I do for my future?—Anything!” “I can teach ASL to people with and without disabilities.”

Jason • “We all have disabilities and need support. Some people are just labeled as disabled—and that’s all it is—a label. So be careful how you use it.”

Laura • Our community is strengthened when it welcomes every individual’s contributions, talents, and ideas.”

Ask yourself: How do you want someone to talk to you or treat you?

QUESTIONS FOR US??? – …ASK US ANYTHING…

Disability Awareness