Disability Awareness
Learn about heroes with developmental disabilities are unique individuals who live an empowered life.
Short Films
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.
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. |
Organizer created on 5/20/2024 11:51:14 AM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 5/20/2024 4:10:03 PM by Laura Nietzer
