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. Some have heard of Braille or have learned a little American Sign Language. Most students aren't familiar with motor impairment, amputation, a reaching tool, or dyslexia. Many have not experienced a speech impediment, inability to walk, hearing loss or vision loss. Through the simulation, students experience all of these.