SHARE teddy bear T.E.D. (for Treat Everyone Decently) teaches students that it is ok to be different.LOCAL primary schools are getting involved in a program to raise children’s awareness about disability issues.
Approximately 500 primary school students attended the three-session program in 2008 and numbers are continuing to grow this year.
The program, called SHARE (show honour and respect everyone) is presented by residents who have disabilities.
They teach students strategies to engage with people with disabilities and to see their abilities rather than their limitations.
City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said he was confident the program was a success from the feedback he’d received from students and teachers.
“The sessions promote understanding and tolerance of difference in the community, challenges public perceptions of stereotypes and highlights the abilities of people with a disability,” he said.
The disability awareness program was developed through the Metro Access project initiative and conducted by the City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong and the Shire of Cardinia.
The council is encouraging schools wishing to get involved in this program to contact the council’s Metro Access disability inclusion officer on 9705 5200.
