Resources for Disability History and Awareness Instruction, K-12

Disability History and Awareness is celebrated during the first two weeks of October.  A variety of resources are available to assist educators in providing disability history and awareness instruction, integrated within the overall curriculum, for students at all levels (K-postsecondary).  Resources include but are not limited to guest speakers, with a focus on including individuals with disabilities; computer on-line programs; videos; and multi-media kits.  

Teachers are encouraged to contact their local Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Center for assistance with disability awareness and sensitivity training for students (e.g., Kids on the Block and More Alike than Different).  Contact information is available at www.fdlrs.org.  District staff may also find it helpful to contact local agencies (e.g., Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Division of Blind Services, Agency for Persons with Disabilities) and other organizations that may be helpful in accessing guest speakers and resource materials.  Examples of these organizations include:
o	Florida Youth Council http://www.familycafe.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=17&Itemid=81
o	Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living
http://www.floridacils.org/
o	Family Network on Disabilities
http://www.fndfl.org/

Following are some of the many available resources that may be helpful:

o	Express Diversity
	This VSA Arts educational resource was developed to provide interactive art-based activities.  Express Diversity includes a series of learning modules, lessons and resources designed to expand students’ sensitivity and awareness about society and the importance of every individual.  The topic of disability is infused throughout to promote discussion and new insights.  Express Diversity is available from VSA Arts, 818 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20006; online at http://www.vsarts.org/x572.xml or by calling 1-800-933-8721.

o	The Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities 
	This is an award winning video which includes twenty pages of camera-ready reproducible resource guides.  The video is narrated by Tim Harrington, a person with a disability.  This outstanding tool for disability awareness is appropriate for older students.  The product is available from Program Development Associates, P.O. Box 2038, Syracuse, N.Y., 13220.  Information is available online at   http://www.disabilitytraining.com/ or by calling 1-800-543-2119.

o	Resources You Can Use: Disability Awareness
	This document provides a sample of selected materials, including curriculum, books, children’s books, videos, and other materials designed to provide instruction on disability awareness.  The document is available from National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), P.O. Box 1492, Washington, D.C. 20013, 1-800-695-0285, FAX: (202) 884-8441.  These publications may be downloaded at no cost through the following website: http://www.nichcy.org/Pages/Home.aspx