Abiltiy Awareness

Ability awareness day gives all 7th graders the opportunity to learn about various different disabilities and how they may effect every day life for those who have a disability.  Students are given a large group presentation by Katie and Steve Bannister from Access-4-All and then get the chance to hear personal stories and ask questions in three different break out sessions with people who have disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourettes Syndrome and more. 

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Special Olympic Athlete-Pat Hawkins and Lindsey Hawkins will discuss the rich history of Special Olympics.  Pat  will be speaking about how YOU, the Truman 7th Grader, will be able to get involved with Special Olympics by volunteering or playing on a team as unified partner.  Lindsey, a Special Olympic athlete, will share her story about being in the Olympic Games.

Down Syndrome - Michael Nester, a Lindbergh graduate and volunteer at TMS, and Kim Nester from the Down Syndrome Association will be teaching and advocating for children and adults with Down Syndrome. Students will learn about Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21, how it happens, how it is diagnosed, how learning and development varies, and other health issues. They will speak about how inclusive education for children with differing abilities is beneficial for them, as well as, typical developing students

Physical Disability and Cerebral Palsy – Mike Parker- A father of a Sperreng student and representative from Paraquad will talk about his experience with cerebral palsy. Mike has a "Can-Do" attitude. He will talk about overcoming barriers and stereotypes to lead a successful life. He will share a DVD titled More Alike Than Different. Mike will present a  hands on activity to show students what it is like to have a disability.

Autism - Sharon Moeller with MO-FEAT will discuss what autism is, common symptoms of autism, behaviors you might see in a person with autism, how people with autism should be treated, respect for the difference in all people, and the benefit of taking the time to get to know someone with Autism. People with Autism often have the same likes/dislikes as you do and being their friend can take patience and understanding; but it’s always worth it in the end.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Donna Pesek and Diana Prost from the St. Louis OCD Support Group will present information on what is OCD, discuss the symptoms of the disorder, show a short video and have an activity to involve the students to see how it would feel to be a person with OCD.

Bi Polar Disorder - Teresa Breeding, MSW, LCSW from Coventry/Mental Health Network will discuss basic symptoms of Bi Polar Disorder and how it differs from Depressive Disorders.  Education will be provided on how some people see Bipolar as not simply a "disorder." It is a symptom of high levels of creativity and energy when managed correctly; and it is found in highly successful people.

Self Esteem/Depression-Maria Craft with Chad’s Coalition will discuss how you can build up or damage the self-esteem of others, what can happen when our fragile self-esteem is hurt, can it lead to depression or possibly suicide, or can depression lead to a poor self esteem?  We will talk about the relationship of self-esteem in our mental health.

Tourette Syndrome – Lu Moorman, BA, MAT with Greater MO Chapter Tourette Syndrome Association explains how Tourette Syndrome is a disability that is misunderstood by many people and misdiagnosed by some doctors.  It is a neurobiological disorder that causes involuntary body movements and vocal sounds.  Research tells us that one in one hundred students have Tourette Syndrome.  Mrs. Moorman’s goal is to make others aware of TS so that they can understand this complex disability.

Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired- Lucy McCalpin, Lucy will discuss the eye disease and visual impairments and the services that the organization provides.  Colleen Young, A Lindbergh freshman was the youngest United States athlete to compete in the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Aug. 29-Sept. 9.  Colleen will answer questions about her experiences as an athlete with a visual impairment.

Physical Disability/Amputation - Sandy Borrowman, Guidance Secretary at TMS will tell her story that led up to her amputation and the progress she has made.  Mark Laytham has been an amputee for several years and will talk about how he is able to ride a bike, snow ski, and how he has overcome the loss of a limb to go about everyday life.  Fred Shaumburg is a Prosthetist and will talk about how he makes prosthetics (artificial legs) and how he helps people first walk and adjust to their new limb.