From Awareness to Acceptance this #WDSD

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. As my journey with my own son with Down syndrome has evolved I realize that I want more than awareness. I’d love for our society to move from awareness to acceptance, recheck our ableist tendencies, and provide a more equitable world for our loved ones with disabilities.

I admit I once wore those “crazy socks” for World Down Syndrome Day, but now realize the campaign does little to persuade people to actually accept my son. The organizers of his trend even changed the name to “wacky socks,” because of the inherent ableism in it’s name: “crazy” socks. I think it’s important that we move past these awareness campaigns to something that persuades actual action. But how? How do we raise awareness and persuade people to truly accept people with disabilities for who they are?

Outside of the classroom, there’s many small, yet powerful actions you can take. Advocating for laws that end sub minimum wages, and promote community inclusion can be as easy as sending a letter to your representative or showing up to a rally. Another powerful step towards equity is working with people with disabilities to understand how they want to be respected and supported. Always question yourself and others. Do you or people around you still harbor ableist feeling like pity or inferiority of people with disabilities? Learning from these moments and moving forward is an important first step towards acceptance, and something I still practice and struggle with sometimes.

When and how should parents formally introduce their child in a classroom setting, and promote disability acceptance? 

First, let’s talk about what NOT to do. You might have come across the use of disability simulations: marshmallows in the mouth to simulate low tone and lack of intelligibility, hands in mittens to simulate poor fine motor skills, blindfolds to simulate–well, being blind. Do you notice what all these simulations highlight?

What a person can’t do, rather than how individuals with disabilities successfully adapt to their environment with the right modifications and supports.

Instead of promoting empathy and awareness, research studies show disability simulations actually promote fear, apprehension, and pity towards their classmate with a disability. Also, because the simulation is only for a short time, it’s hard for typical students to truly experience the classmate’s limitations in a meaningful way.

Awareness Activities in Grade School

Trying to promote acceptance will take more time and thought than awareness campaigns but they’re worth it. I invited a local self-advocate with a disability to come talk to our entire school body about acceptance. I hope that this will make a lasting impact.

Many teachers and parents like to take a more broad approach to awareness of differences in lower grades. For instance, in kindergarten through 2nd grade you may not even mention the term “Down syndrome” or “Autism.” Many parents decide the discussion shouldn’t single their child out, but foster acceptance of all students. Children’s books are a great way to foster acceptance of people for who they are. Here’s some examples:

“My Friend Isabelle” by Eliza Wilson: I love this book, because it starts with two friends that have so much in common, but also talks about differences. The reader only finds out that one character has Down syndrome by reading the jacket note at the end of the book. It also has a guide to help teachers and parents incorporate the book into a classroom lesson. Watch the YouTube click below for a video version of the book.

“The Day the Sheep Showed Up” by David McPhail: About farm animals who had never met a sheep before. The sheep teaches them that they are more alike than different. Great metaphor for accepting those that are different, and fabulous for new readers.

“King Louie and His Marshmallow Kingdom” by Louis Rotella: About a little king who rules over a kingdom where the sun always shines and every meal is a picnic. Louie explains to his friends that he loves to do kid-things, even though he’s different. This is one of my all-time favorites!

Awareness Activities with Older Students

Books can also be used with older students, and some may actually define a disability. But more hands-on or project-based activities are also fun at this age. Open discussions about what students already know about disabilities (or think they know) is imperative. Prior knowledge allows teachers and parents to assess where to start, as well as any preconceived notions students may have. Discussing inclusion is also important at this age. All kids want to be included.

The Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities did a fabulous disability awareness campaign in Indiana and posted all of their lessons here. Some of their ideas include:

• Students create a class motto for inclusion
• Anonymously write questions students have about disability and difference, and have those questions read and answered as a class (or in private)
• Create a classroom mural that depicts what an inclusive class, school, and community looks like
• Perform a simple skit showing appropriate and inappropriate ways to interact with classmates with disabilities: people’s first language, asking before you help someone, inviting classmates to special occasions, treat your classmate the way you want to be treated
• Show a movie or show that depicts someone with a disability as the main character
• Evaluate their school or local business to see if they accessible for people with disabilities. If they’re not, come up with a plan to change that.
• Invite a sign language interpreter to teach students some simple signs.

What are you planning to foster acceptance in your child’s classroom? Add some ideas in the comments sections.

The following are some other books that may help you foster acceptance in the classroom: