(2006-2008)

Disability Awareness

An Education Department: Life-Long Learning program at the March 2007 JWCB meeting featured Ruthanne Donalson and staff from the Society for Equal  Access.  Ms. Donalson offered a brief history of S.E.A. And described the benefits for children from experiencing

this type of workshop. The Society for Equal Access is a consumer-controlled, cross-disabilities, non-profit organization by and for people with disabilities.   During the presentation, JWCB members were able to experience first-hand a mock program that the organization offers to fifth grade students. 

Ms. Donalson and her colleagues set up individual training areas, in one of which was a man who had lost both legs to diabetes.  He shared his story with clubwomen,  invited us to feel his titanium leg, and informed us about the financial hardships as well as accessibility issues associated with disabilities.  He explained how he teaches children not to be afraid of people in wheelchairs.

Another training area was "manned" by a woman who is visually impaired.  She provided an experience for participants by having us wear specially-designed glasses while attempting to read from a phone book or medicine bottle.

At one training area, participants were blindfolded and took a walk up stairs and outside to experience having to depend on a sighted guide.  At yet another training area, we were asked to tape our fingers and try to button a shirt or fold clothing.

Clubwomen gathered S.E.A. Contact information in hopes of sharing this program with local schools.