"Learning to be comfortable with people who are different is a very important life skill."
At an Elementary School in 2018
In my life, I have had many experiences with people who don’t understand what it’s like to live with a physical disability. When I go to elementary schools and talk to students they meet a person who sits in a wheelchair, communicates differently and is intelligent. The students see that a person with a disability is not someone to be feared or made fun of.
For the past seven years I have been a guest presenter at elementary schools near to where I live in Westchester County, New York. Many school districts have programs which help students recognize and understand people who are different and have disabilities.
Before I come to make my presentation the students have often been introduced to the book “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper. The book is written in the first person and tells the story of Melody Brooks, a fifth grade student who has cerebral palsy and uses an augmentative communication device to speak. I make references to this book during my presentation. The book is recommended for ages 10 and up and for grades 5-8.
The students are very interested in meeting someone whose life is similar to the character Melody. While I am speaking I run a PowerPoint slide show that illustrates and helps the students to understand what it was like for me as a kid growing up with multiple disabilities. After my presentation I do a Q & A with the students where they have a chance to ask questions and interact with me. I even let them come and try to use my communication device.
From the many letters students have sent me and from what their teachers have said, I have learned that meeting me and hearing what I have to say is an educational and enjoyable experience. They understand that a person who has a disability has different challenges in their life, but in many ways is just like them.