Students identify with each other some things they like and pass around a ball of twine. The twine represents a web and every student will be holding a part of it to keep it strong. Students will reflect on their own webs in their lives and create their own webs using crafting materials.

Image description: spider web

On the YouTube page linked you will find a playlist with dozens of read a loud videos of books that we believe will add opportunities to incorporate disability representation in natural, positive ways to your class.

Image description: colorful books on a dark bookcase

A calendar of events that recognizes various days (and months) is an easy way to bring the conversation about disability into your classrooms and schools. Including discussion of disabled people throughout the year sends a message to all that disabled students are recognized and valued as a part of the education community.

Image description: calendar page tilted at an angle, reading glasses rest on the bottom corner of the calendar

Disability and Disability Arts - Physical Disability and Accessibility- Coloring Book - “A Day of Questions”

This is a three part lesson to introduce the student to disability and a disabled artist's work. Disability arts is an art form where the context of the art takes on disability as its theme. Disability art is about exploring the various realities of what it's like to be disabled. The theme of disability may be used in a variety of ways in how the artist chooses to represent the theme in their work. This lesson uses a coloring book created by Wendy Elliot Vandivier.

This is an introductory lesson on physical disability using the book “Don’t Call Me Special” by Pat Thomas. The educator will read aloud the book and ask questions about the text. Students will learn about making assumptions and what physical disability can look like, as well as how equipment can help students with disabilities access all parts of their life.

Image description: cover art for the book “Don’t Call Me Special”

Students read Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari and read a short article about how a shelter dog helped a boy with epilepsy to live a safer and more fulfilling life.

Image description: Cover art from the book “Hello Goodbye Dog”

This lesson teaches students the qualities of being a Kind helper and how to put them into practice. Students will listen to a person with a disability and their personal assistant about what it means to be a Kind helper. After the talk, students will have a chance to ask questions about helping. Students will learn that open communication is key to a Kind helper relationship. Students will learn that a person with a disability can live full productive lives with the help of their personal attendant.

Image description: 9 raised hands with the words “How to be a Kind Helper”

This lesson will help students understand that we are all interdependent on each other.

Image description: stones leaning against one another forming an arch

In this read-aloud of a picture book version of Maya Angelou’s “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”, students will learn about and discuss fear, what it means to be brave, and how to cope when feeling scared. Students will learn about Maya Angelou and selective mutism, which is an anxiety disorder that Maya Angelou experienced for 5 years during adolescence. 

Image description: Sketch of Maya Angelou

In this lesson the teacher will read aloud My Travelin’ Eye. This book shows from the character’s perspective what it is like to be on the receiving end of bullying and how she had to cope. As a way of coping Jenny’s mom made her special fashion eye patches. The takeaway message for students is that people who look different and have disabilities are still people in the world just like them.

Image description: Cover art for the book “My Travelin’ Eye”

Students will map out where they have recess. Students will be asked to reflect on the physical accessibility of their environment (i.e. 3 steps to go from classroom to outside, playground has woodchips and a step up). They will draw out a map for their current environment and then create new map that is a inclusive play area.

Image description: wheelchair accessible playground equipment and people playing on it

Posters with disability representation. Most are free to download, though some can be purchased as well.

Image description: Corkboard wall with many signs of assorted size and colors.

Students will read/watch the story of The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss. Students will think about prejudice and bullying. Students will learn that differences are not a bad thing and that no one should have to change to please others.

Image description: Cover art from the book “The Sneetches”

This links to our Social Model of Disability resources page which contains videos and examples of how to introduce and teach the Social Model of Disability.

In this lesson students will get to explore and examine toy and adult versions of accessibility devices. The idea is to introduce disability to students using tactile and observational learning. Students will learn that all these devices are for people with disabilities to live their lives, enjoy themselves and access the community. It is no different from the everyday tools we use throughout our lives.

Image description: a photograph or an open toy box with the word “TOYS” on the front