Rick Wright guides students through the wheelchair obstacle course

One hundred twenty fourth graders at Northwood Elementary School in Hilton participated in disability awareness activities on October 28. Students had the opportunity to navigate a wheelchair obstacle course, try out adaptive equipment, and participate in exercises designed to increase their understanding of what it is like to live with a disability.  The day concluded with an interactive drumming performance by Matt Giordano, a talented local musician who has Tourette syndrome.

Colleen Brown, Public Education Coordinator at The Advocacy Center, worked in collaboration with the staff at Northwood to organize the event.  

A sampling of comments from the students indicates that the experience made a positive impression on them:

“Thank you so much for coming to Northwood and presenting to us.  I’ll always remember what I learned, and I will NEVER make fun of a person with disabilities.  Thanks again!”

“I liked when I rode the wheelchair and now I know how it feels when other people are in a wheelchair...  Thank you so much.”

“Thank you for teaching us about guide dogs and people who were blind.  Echo was sooo cute!  This taught me a lot especially since my grandpa is part blind.”

For more information about disability awareness, contact Colleen Brown at The Advocacy Center at (585) 546-1700 ext. 267.