Young children can develop negative attitudes toward people with differences, particularly people with disabilities. These attitudes can be “unlearned” if countered with positive experiences.  The Center's Student Disabilities Awareness Program provides this critical counter-balance.  To view a 7-8 minute video about the program, click here. 

The program conducts sessions in schools and other educational settings, primarily for children in Grades 3 through 6.  The principal messages are that people with disabilities simply are different like everyone is different; all differences are entitled to respect; and all people are the same in many ways.  The program has been successfully adapted for students through Grade 12.        

After each 90-minute session, the class receives copies of an age-appropriate book on disability diversity to reinforce the messages of the program.  Three curricula build on one another for return visits to schools. 

Survey results from 740 educators between 2007 and 2010 overwhelmingly affirm that the program:  makes students more sensitive to and inclusive of classmates with disabilities (98% "yes"); and is valuable to team building and anti-bullying efforts (99% "yes").  Fully 100% of respondents want the Center to return to their school each year.  For a sample of written responses, click on the Impact in Schools page.  Since 2004, the  program has reached approximately 25,000 students in over 110 schools.    

Like all Cromwell Center programs, the Student Disabilities Awareness Program can be implemented anywhere without modification.  On a fee basis, the Center can travel to schools beyond its coverage area to present the program or train school personnel in our curricula.