Day 17 Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Disability is universal. As evidenced by global statistics, disability exists in every culture, in all nations around the world. Although there have been improvements in civil rights for individuals with disabilities in the United States, treatment of people with disabilities continues to be negative in America and elsewhere. To address inequities and discrimination against people with disabilities, a disability culture has emerged to advocate for equality, inclusion, and social justice and promote disability awareness and sensitivity. Several disciplines (for example, psychology, sociology, education, medicine, and law) have recognized the importance of addressing disability issues and have collaboratively created a new discipline, Disability Studies. As a discipline, disability studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore disability from experiential, historical, and cultural perspectives. Disability studies has helped the disability movement take strides towards greater equality for people with disabilities. With the emergence of a disability culture, public perceptions of disability and attitudes towards people with disabilities have experienced gradual paradigm shifts. It is important we instill in our youth an awareness of disability and continue to promote sensitivity to disability issues. Educating youth to understand people with disabilities are people like everyone else can shift negative perceptions of disability towards acceptance and respect. This curriculum is intended to provide educational tools that promote disability awareness and sensitivity. We believe if children are given the tools to understand disability, they will be able to see disability more positively. In turn, as they become more sensitive and aware of disability issues, they can then create change in the world around them. As our children are our future, it is within their power to create a society where all people are respected and valued for their unique abilities and strengths.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 07:32:39 +0000