Jackson students experience disabilities as part of awareness week's activities

When the lights came on in Julie Brandmeyer's classroom at West Lane Elementary School, waves of shock and amusement spread throughout the students.

Attempts at drawing objects like a jet, rainbow and lake had turned into a page full of meandering lines and scribbles for some students.

As part of activities for Disability Awareness Week, Brandmeyer turned off the lights and had the students draw in the dark to assimilate being visually impaired.

She covered the doorway and interior windows with black paper to create a dark environment for a few minutes. As they drew, she told the fourth-graders a story about a boy in a baseball cap holding a fishing pole.

"I know your eyes are adjusting," she said as some students tried to sneak a peak at their drawings.

Grace Masters drew a picture in total darkness, at right, and the same scene with lights on during her art class Thursday at West Lane Elementary School in Jackson. (Fred Lynch)

With the lights back on, students analyzed their work and took a second shot at creating the drawing.

"You'd think that was drawn by my 3-year-old brother," said Grace Masters of her first drawing.

She said she tried to feel where the paper was wet from the marker to guide her hand.

"The hardest part was knowing what's where," she said.

Alissa Wiggins said she felt for the edge of the paper to create the drawing.

"That was either a cloud or a flower," she said referring to a cluster of circles. "I can't tell."

Students throughout the Jackson School District are participating in different events during the week to increase awareness for students with disabilities.

In Reagan McDowell's gym class at West Lane, students used blindfolds, walkers, crutches and wheelchairs.

"At first they think it's fun," he said. Students soon realize the upper body strength required to use the equipment.

"They're getting to experience that challenge," he said.

In a nearby room, drama students from the high school started a four-school tour of a performance designed for the week.

The 16 students shifted formation often while continually singing and talking to their young audience. At one point, they stood on black blocks and posed as trees to create human scenery. The half-hour performance included poems, songs and stories about inclusion.

"Don't laugh at me," they said. "Don't call me names. Don't get your pleasure from my pain."

This is the second year for the communitywide event, which includes businesses, Immaculate Conception School and Trinity Lutheran School. They are also participating in fundraising activities to help fund an adaptive playground at Cape Girardeau County Park. Whether buying a cheeseburger or getting an oil change, residents will also encounter the message "Everybody Counts" on signs throughout Jackson.

The event was organized by the Jackson School District's Parent Partnership Council.

Traci Ritter, a member of the council, said participation among businesses increased this year. More high school students are getting involved in helping with events, she said.

"Just that's an indication that they're really willing to get involved and on board," she said.

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Pertinent address:

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