Jackson School District marking Disability Awareness Week with discussions, activities

Jackson banks, gas stations and fast-food restaurants all share a common message on their marquees this week: "Everybody Counts."

The message is being promoted by Jackson School District officials and parents in recognition of Disability Awareness Week. October is National Disability Awareness Month.

Each school will host discussions and activities meant to foster understanding.

"I think people need to be aware that students with disabilities have the same dreams as everyone else about post-secondary education, employment, a family and having children," said Pam Deneke, a transition coordinator for the district. "People with disabilities don't need pity or sympathy. They need positive role models and genuine friendship."

The idea for a disability awareness week grew out of the Parent Partnership Council, which held its first meeting in January. Made up of parents of children with disabilities and school staff members, the council was formed to encourage inclusion, increase communication and offer support. This is the first year for the awareness week.

"We feel it is really important to educate students that even if a student has a disability they still have the same need for friendship," said Traci Ritter, a charter member of the council.

Dr. Beth Emmendorfer, associate superintendent of student services, said events for the week vary by school. Middle school, junior high and high school students will hear a guest speaker from SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence discuss how he was able to graduate high school despite being diagnosed with spina bifida. "Milk and cookies" time will be held at elementary schools, where parents read stories featuring children with disabilities who persevere. Simulations will be offered at the junior high for students to understand what it is like to be confined to a wheelchair.

On Friday high school drama students will perform skits for elementary students "about how we are all more alike than different," Emmendorfer said.

A Peer Partnership program was started last year to pair students with special needs with a mentor student. About 25 high school students are participating this year. Once a week, they meet to play board games, surf the Internet, peer tutor or hang out.

Nancy Robertson's son graduated last year, but she has remained in the council because she believes in its mission. Through a transition program, her son completed an internship at Safe Harbor and is now employed at Skyview Animal Clinic.

"Most of these kids don't have a social group to hang out with. This let them become social. It gave them that opportunity and showed others it's OK to have a friend with a disability," Robertson said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

388-3627

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