Use this short film program in the classroom as a teacher resource. The lesson plan features heroes who have a developmental disability.
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas, which onset before adulthood. About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays.
The films in the lesson plan show us common misunderstandings about disabilities, and how society's attitudes towards disabilities have changed.
We also see how our heroes with developmental disabilities are unique individuals who live an empowered life.
Ministry of Surf (9:04)
Do You See Rainbow? (4:19)
The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia [Trailer] (0:50)
Minimum Max (3:09)
A brief and powerful first-hand account from high school student, Max, who must navigate through the world of ADD and all the medications that come along with it.
Super Ruby (5:07)
FAITH’S WORLD | BYkids Trailer (2:45)
The MY HERO Report II - Ablaye (2:47)
Global Dance Heroes (5:45)
The mission of The Global Dance Initiative is to spotlight and support heroes from around the globe that use DANCE to Heal, Connect, and Inspire.
Material Bodies (4:22)
Believe (6:06)
Tommy Carroll Dreams, Believes, and Achieves in this heartwarming, documentary-adapted music video. Music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Learn about Developmental Disabilities through Art
Jim Abbott was born without his right hand and proved that anyone could play the sports they love, even with disabilities.
Stories
These hero essays highlight those with developmental disabilities who not only push against odds but also uplift their communities.
Nick Vujicic, born with no arms or legs, was not allowed to enter mainstream school due to Australian laws. He became one of the first to do so, later receiving his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financial Planning.
Lewis Carroll, author of the classic Alice in Wonderland, struggled with stuttering throughout his life, as did most of his family.
Vikas Khanna "was born with misaligned legs and in his teenage years he met with an eye accident which left him partially blind in his left eye...he went on to become one of the most celebrated chefs in the U.S."
Melissa Blake is a journalist with Freeman Sheldon Syndrome whose abilities are questioned based on her looks. After her body positivity tweet went viral, she now is leading a movement in self-acceptance called #mybestselfie.
Listen & Read Along Stories with Text and Audio
Discussion Questions and Learning Outcome
1. What are common misunderstandings about disabilities?
2. How are these heroes alike, and how are they different?
3. Where do these heroes find their unique strengths?
4. Has the way society deals with disabilities changed? If so, how? If not, how have they not?
The films , art, and stories all reflect on unique individuals with developmental disabilities and their ability to live an empowered life. Students will feel inspired and empowered to overcome obstacles in their own lives and reach for worthy goals.
How to use MY HERO's Create Program to Publish Stories, Art, Film and Audio for Students
Tutorial for students: Publish written stories, film, original artwork and audio in MY HERO's multimedia library.
MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom
MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
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The Developmental Disabilities Awareness lesson plan was curated by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
Additional Links
The Arc
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Website
NACDD is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia
The mission is to increase awareness of dyslexia and its true nature, specifically to illuminate the creative and intellectual strengths of those with dyslexia, to disseminate the latest scientific research and practical resources, and to transform the treatment of all dyslexic children and adults.
"March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Advances and Setbacks." Essay by Robert B. Fleming, CELA
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national organization comprised of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law.
Organizer created on 3/2/2019 12:04:45 PM by Xenia Shin
Last edited 2/26/2025 11:50:49 AM by Laura Nietzer
