DISABILITY AWARENESS AND SENSITIVITY TRAINING PROGRAM

The Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Training Program introduces the concept

of disabilities (specifically, children with disabilities) to non-disabled elementary-age children.

In so doing, it lays the groundwork for creating a school environment characterized by open discussion of and increased appreciation for individual differences, thereby facilitating the development of positive relationships among all students, disabled and non-disabled.

Regardless of their unique characteristics, children with disabilities are often perceived as being “different” from their non-disabled peers. In turn, this perception may cause non-disabled students to avoid contact with or make fun of disabled classmates. Frequently teachers are not prepared to help their students understand, accept and include those with differences.

One of the goals of establishing inclusive classrooms is to promote understanding and tolerance through daily interaction between disabled and non-disabled children. As they follow the normal routines of classroom life together, all students can be helped to recognize the many similarities they share; to appreciate the talents and abilities of every classmate, disabled and non-disabled alike; and to accept and learn to celebrate the unique differences that make each person an individual.

This training program is offered as the early foundation of a bridge between two frequently separate groups of students who will soon form one integrated population on the road to successful inclusion.

A∗K∗T∗ (All Kids Together) NOW is a school-based, peer-to-peer support and education model program that pairs students with disabilities with their non-disabled classmates in an inclusion environment. The program promotes mutual respect, empathy and friendship among students that rises above focusing on differing abilities, to a level of understanding that celebrates the full spectrum of individual differences that make each student unique and special.

The mission of A∗K∗T∗ NOW is rooted in the philosophy that ALL children possess individual strengths and abilities that, when shared with their peers, can teach a limitless variety of valuable life lessons.

The strength and uniqueness of the A∗K∗T∗ NOW program is in its premise that ALL children, disabled and non-disabled alike, benefit from the experience of helping each other to tear down the walls of fear and ignorance by building bridges of fellowship and understanding for their own and future generations.

A∗K∗T∗ NOW is a volunteer-based program supported by a partnership between select individual schools and the Kevin S. Roberts Foundation for Children, which offers small incentive grants and technical assistance to qualifying applicants to develop A∗K∗T∗ NOW programs in their schools.

During the month of October, in celebration of National Disabilities Awareness Month, the Foundation accepts nominations for its Kevin’s PICK (Promoting Inclusive Communities for Kids) Awards, acknowledging businesses and community organizations for their efforts to welcome and include children of all abilities.

To be nominated for a Kevin’s PICK Award, a business or community organization must demonstrate its leadership role in building inclusive communities by actively adapting its standard practices, policies and/or physical environment to promote the patronage or participation of children with disabilities.

To submit a nomination for a Kevin’s PICK Award, please contact the foundation at 541-640-3732 or info@kevinrobertsfoundation.org