Between 200-250 people participated in the Sunnyvale School District’s second annual Disability Awareness Day on Oct. 15.
The focus this year was to continue promoting awareness and to value diversity among parents, students, staff and the community. Twenty different exhibitors provided resources to support families with disabled children and to educate everyone regarding different disabilities.
A resource fair, games, and activity stations including face painting, glitter tattoos and an obstacle course took over Cherry Chase for the afternoon.
A variety of vision and physical impairment activities provided children with experiences to simulate what it is like to be in a wheelchair, walk with a cane and to use hand and foot braces.
Parents, students, and community members also had the opportunity to write their names using a Brailler. Parents and students were able to meet the District’s SELPA II Vision Specialist, who led this activity with a former Sunnyvale School district student, who also provided information and lead activities.
SELPA II, or the Special Education Local Plan Area, maintains a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to provide support and information to parents. The CAC is comprised of parents, educators and community members who provide input to the school districts that comprise SELPA II.
The District Occupational Therapists led a separate sensory activity, which provided simulation and learning activities such as the stereognosis game, visual perceptual task, vestibular (movement and balance) activities and a variety of tactile activities
Families and children heard monologues from children who are different and have developed advocacy skills via a showing of the “Happy to be Nappy” video. This video included differences of disabilities, language and of physical differences and promotes the understanding, tolerance and respect for peoples’ differences.
Families are encouraged to save the date for the District’s third annual Disability Awareness Day, Thursday, October 20th, 2016!
