March was Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to reflect on and raise awareness about the challenges individuals with developmental disabilities face every day.

At CVMS, students and staff members came together to engage in meaningful activities designed to foster empathy, understanding, and support for those with developmental disabilities. Thanks to the leadership of the Multi-Cultural Diversity Club, our school community had the opportunity to walk in the shoes of others and better understand what it’s like to live with these conditions.

 

Developmental disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s physical, learning, language, or behavioral abilities. These disabilities are typically present from birth and may last throughout a person’s life. For many, navigating the world with a developmental disability can present daily challenges that others may not always see. The Multi-Cultural Diversity Club’s initiative was a powerful way to promote awareness by allowing students and staff to experience a glimpse of the struggles faced by those living with these disabilities.

 

 

Simulating Experiences: Walking in Another’s Shoes

The students participated in a series of activities that simulated some developmental disabilities:

• Dyslexia – A condition that affects reading, spelling, and writing abilities.
• Dyscalculia – A learning disability that affects the ability to understand numbers and math concepts.
• Blindness – A simulation to help students understand the challenges of navigating the world without sight.
• Physical Limitations – Activities that highlight the difficulties individuals with physical disabilities face, particularly with mobility.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – A condition that impacts communication, behavior, and social interaction.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – A condition that can cause difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Through hands-on experiences, students and staff were able to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles faced by individuals living with these conditions. The Multi-Cultural Diversity Club put together special kits designed to simulate the effects of these disabilities, allowing participants to feel what it might be like to face the challenges each condition presents.

 

Fostering Empathy and Understanding

The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound appreciation for what their peers might be going through. Their reflections underscored the power of empathy and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Here’s a snapshot of what some students shared after participating in the activities:

“Now I know what my friend has to deal with every day.”

“It’s really hard to do things. I learned that being disabled is harder than I thought because you struggle with doing basic things.”

“I learned that ADHD is very distracting. This made me understand how difficult it is for someone with ADHD.”

“Living with a developmental disability is hard because you might not be able to read everything or see colors.”

“I learned that dyslexia is more complex and difficult than I thought. This has changed my understanding of people with dyslexia.”

Many students remarked on the emotional impact of the experience. Their candid reflections serve as a reminder of the often-overlooked struggles people with developmental disabilities face every day, not just in school, but in everyday life.

 

 

A Lasting Impact

The activities organized by the Multi-Cultural Diversity Club have had a lasting impact on the CVMS community.

“By giving students and staff a chance to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes,’ they have cultivated a sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding that will continue long after the month of March has passed,” said Principal Lisa Hankinson.

“As we reflect on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that awareness is the first step toward making our communities more inclusive and supportive for everyone, regardless of their abilities,” Ms. Hankinson added. “Through activities like these, CVMS is making strides toward creating a culture of kindness and respect for all members of our school family. Together, we are learning that while we may not fully understand each other’s experiences, we can always choose to offer compassion and support.”

Ms. Hankinson gave a special thank you to the Pine Bush Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (PBSEPTSA) and its president, Carmen Trabal, for meeting with her to collaborate on raising awareness of developmental disabilities.