Paired students visit six of the twelve challenge stations in a round robin fashion during each of their two physical education class periods. At each challenge station, they have the opportunity to complete a worksheet task or participate in an activity and write a short reaction paper. The activity papers are then compiled into a booklet to be shared at home with family and friends. Rheumatoid Arthritis Students at every grade level enjoy experiencing the Disability Awareness Simulation. Their initial excitement to begin an activity soon turns to frustration during the activity because it is difficult to be disabled.
Activities conclude with relief.
Our objective of improving student empathy for disabled individuals is achieved. The Disability Awareness Simulation directly benefits our entire school population of nearly 560 students. Indirectly, it benefits many more as the students share information and their compiled booklets with family and others. Students benefit initially by developing a new core of knowledge. At the outset, most students recognize a wheelchair.