Outreach Ministries: Disability Awareness Day

This is an event, which celebrates the differences that make people unique. The goal is not to generate pity for those who are differently-abled, but to teach tolerance, empathy, and acceptance.

This is a great event for families to attend together, and for teaching children to accept others.

Invite guest speakers

Ask people in your community who are disabled to come and share their story. They should share a little information about their condition and common misconceptions. Have them explain that they live full lives just like everyone else. In closing, have them demonstrate a special talent. A blind individual can play a song on the piano, or sing. A deaf person can sign a story or song to music. Whatever talent they display should show how they are special, not handicapped.

Empathy Activities

Set up an obstacle course for people that simulates living with a disability. Some ideas include:

• Blind Maze- Blindfold people and have them navigate a maze. A blind person can act as their guide.
• Wheelchair Races- Have people navigate a series of obstacles while sitting in a wheelchair. Without standing or using their legs, they must open and close a door, go up a ramp, wind between cones, dunk a basketball, etc.
• Can you hear me now? - Set up a food station or mock theater booth. Participants must wear earplugs. Without using words or writing things down, they must indicate to the booth operator what they desire. The both operator must speak low enough so that they cannot be heard through the earplugs.

The point of these activities is not to make fun of people with real disabilities, but to help non-disabled people understand the daily challenges that must be faced, and foster a new sense of respect.

Share a Meal

There is something about sharing a meal with a person that invites a sense of bonding. Invite all of your guest speakers to a lunch with program attendees. Give them time to mingle and chat with each other. Attendees might be shy at first, but they will slowly start to realize that your guest speakers are people just like them. While everyone is eating, you might want to show a short film on disability awareness. Check your local library or online for ideas. Chances are you will be able to find an old TV special on the subject.

Gift Bags

To make a lasting impression on attendees, give out bags with pamphlets on national disability foundations, along with donation information. You can also include pencils, candy and other printable items with “Celebrate Diversity: Handicap Awareness Day” and the date imprinted on them. These are especially great for kids as they can take the pencils to school and reinforce your message.

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