CORE kids On the Block puppet troupe (Photo by Bob Schneider)

By Hayley Ferguson

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Students learn to see abilities rather than disabilities

Nov 29, 2019 | 8:39 AM

Medicine Hat, AB – Students at St John Paul II celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an afternoon full of understanding and learning.

Hands-on activities and speakers were all part of showing an assembly showing the kids that disabilities don’t take away people’s abilities.

“We’re trying to teach kids about the abilities of people with disabilities. So that their not afraid and they want to be friends with people. And that not knowing is not a barrier to friendship,” said Leslie Jerry, the community inclusion coordinator with the City of Medicine Hat.

Principal Robert Dumanowksi said he was proud and happy to see just how engaged his students were from the moment they sat down.

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“I think the litmus test for how well they are understanding it or how much of an impact it has on them is how engaged they are. And today I saw so many focused faces and eyes sparkling with joy,” he said.

The assembly included speakers, puppets, and afterward a handful of different interactive presentations

St John Paul II try out different wheelchairs (Photo by Bob Schneider)

It gave students to try things like wheelchair basketball, sign language, and speech aids.

“I learned that all people are equal and everybody is capable of doing anything that you’re able to,” said grade six student Bolas.

His classmate Lillie agreed.

“So that you know that they actually aren’t any different than everybody else.”

Jerry says that the activities allow kids to understand more and ask questions.

“Kids are kids. And you want to see what it’s like to try a wheelchair or use a grabber or try bowling with a ramp. All of those kinds of things. Making it hands-on is part of I think of breaking down those barriers. And their curious, they just want to try things,” she smiled.

Dumanowski agreed that the activities can make an even bigger impact.

“It’s one thing to hear about somebody with a disability. It’s one thing to meet a disability. But to actually have a hands-on opportunity to function with some of the challenges and pediments that they face each and every day is different,” he continued. “And also I think they identify with some of the ways they overcome those disabilities and challenges is a real hands-on way for kids to have it sink in even deeper.”

Every year, the program goes to a different elementary school.

While next years hasn’t been chosen yet, Jerry says it’s important that they continue with elementary-aged kids to build stronger foundations of acceptance that they can carry for the rest of their lives.