Great Teaching Ideas

lesson & unit viewer

Disability Sensitivity

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Rochelle Chenoweth

Subject Area: Special Education/Curriculum Accommodations

Grade Range: Upper Elementary (4-5), Middle Grades (6-8), High School (9-12)

Materials Needed: None

Process Standards:

• Goal 2.3 exchange information, questions and ideas while recognizing the perspectives of others
• Goal 3.6 examine problems and proposed solutions from multiple perspectives
• Goal 4.7 identify and apply practices that preserve and enhance the safety and health of self and others

Content Standards:

• Social Studies 6. Relationships of the individual and groups to institutions and cultural traditions

  Time Allowance: Varies

  Description: This regular classroom activity lets all students experience disabilities.

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  Classroom Component:

  I have two visually impaired students in my classes. I found the other students were making fun of these students so I decided to do a sensitivity activity that I had done in college .....It worked.
  
  METHOD:
  

  1. Divide students into groups of four. Have each group sit in a circle. Give each student a "role".
  2. After each group has assumed the roles, place a puzzle in the middle of the group. The goal: complete the puzzle. The students must work together and get "around" each disability to complete the task.w  Person 1:  You are blind but can hear and use your hands
     w  Person 2:  You can see and hear but you can't use your hands
     w  Person 3:  You can see and hear but you can't use your hands or speak
     w  Person 4:  You can't see, hear, or speak. You can only use your left hand.
  3. As the teacher, closely monitor because students tend to forget their roles.
  4. Afterwards, discuss: What problems did you have? How did you feel? Etc.
  This activity really lets students experience disabilities.
  
  

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  For additional information contact :
  Rochelle Chenoweth
  Elkins Middle
  WEST VIRGINIA
  
  EMAIL: rchenoweth@neumedia.net