Inclusion Action in Ontario spoke about disability and inclusion at TDSB’s Huron Street Junior Public School in April, in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation. Our volunteer, Diane Montgomery, presented with a Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador. Over 300 students and staff attended at two assemblies.
Presenters talked about strengths and normalized living full lives with disability. The presentations addressed both physical and invisible disabilities and helped destigmatize the negative perceptions of disability.
It was really powerful to see students identify with the games and feel comfortable raising their hand if they struggled with attention, focus or reading. The conversation continued in the halls and we looked at the accessibility of our own building. We highly benefited from this presentation and hope that the partnership between IAO and the Rick Hansen Foundation continues. More kids and adults would benefit from hearing this message.
Lucy Aveling, Kindergarden Teacher, Huron Street PS
IAO looks forward to a continued partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation and working with school boards. If your school or classroom is interested in a presentation, you can make a request here.
