"Every life holds value, regardless of location, age, gender or disability. There is a plan and a purpose for everyone” – Sharron Angle
Every year on December 3, we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to mobilise support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promote awareness-raising about disability and draw attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
The occasion was observed at The Indian School – Second Shift with an aim to motivate and engage students from a tender age to develop an empathetic understanding of day-to-day challenges faced by children with disability in personal, social, academic and recreational aspects of life.
A Socks' activity was conducted in class 1 to explain that people with physical disability deal with different challenges every day.
Class 2 students were involved in games such as 'Blindfold Play' and 'Lip Reading' followed by a discussion about how they felt about not being able to hear or see anything during play. The children came up with their observations and pointed out that it was more challenging than they could imagine.
A story session was conducted for classes 3 and 4. Students were engrossed in the story, 'A Walk Through Words', which was told with engaging gestures and facial expressions. The inspiring story by Hudson Talbott vividly reveals the challenges, and ultimately the rewards, of being a non-mainstream learner.
The students of class 5 enthusiastically participated in a collage-making activity titled ‘Indian Para Athletes’. They spoke about the achievements of India’s Asian Para Games athletes as an example of how disability cannot define one’s ability and potential.
A classroom discussion was conducted for the students of class 6 on the topic ‘Inclusive Environment- Social and Physical’. Students participated in the discussion and recognised the need for accessibility and inclusion.
The students of class 7 wrote a short story about a visit to a favourite place in which they described the place, its smells, sounds and touch. Students also participated in a Crossword activity, wherein they got acquainted with different types of disabilities.
A classroom discussion was conducted for the students of class 8 on the topic 'social and emotional challenges faced by students with disabilities and special needs'. They also took a pledge to accept, respect and include people of all abilities without any discrimination.
For class 9, a session was conducted by our School special educator on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, with the objective of increasing awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities and the effort that needs to be taken to help such children achieve their potential. The session was followed by a quiz in which the students participated enthusiastically. This quiz consisted of questions as well as model answers. This helped achieve a better comprehension of the subject.
The activities conducted across the classes reinforced the understanding of ‘disabilities’ among the students as well as the teachers. It also marked our School's continuing effort to endorse inclusive education,whereby an environment of integrity and solidarity is created for all students.
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