Today is technical, but I want to describe each of the five stations in my class and what they simulated. Bear with me and you'll see the awesome affect it had on the kids. At each station was an adult to explain to the kids what to do and how it simulated a disability.
*(What was simulated.)
As each child took their turn at individual stations the person in charge of this area would explain what they were to do;
Station #1-Hearing-*(Deafness/Hearing Loss)
There were earplugs that the kids were to put in their ears. They were to try to hear people speak at different levels and tones of volume.
Station #2-Speech-*(Speech Impediment/Verbal Communication Loss)
They were to put five pieces of bubble gum in their mouths, chew for a few minutes and then try to say different prepared sentences. I made sure there were quite a few to pick from and that each word could sound similar to another. They were to try and get their group to understand them.
Station #3-Sight-*(Blindness/Vision Loss)
They put blindfolds and sunglasses with Vaseline on them. We gave them a blind walking cane or a guide and had them go through an obstacle course, doing daily chores.
Station # 4-Walker/Crutches-*(Difficulty walking)
We tied their legs together, gave them a walker or crutches and they were to make it through a obstacle course similar to a daily routine. But we added opening and making it through a heavy gym door.
Station #5-*(Wheelchair Bound) Since I had experience in this area I was in charge of this station and I explained they were going to go through some of what I go through daily. This one was a bit more important to me, because I felt they might understand where I was coming from.
They were put in a wheelchair and big work gloves were applied to their hands (this was to dull sensation and fine motor skills). They then had to grab a book-bag, put five different size and shape books in it, three pencils and zip it up. They had to make it through an obstacle course of; desks, long halls, heavy doors and sidewalks, with the book bag in tow.
When every student had a chance to experience everything, we gathered back together to talk about what and how they accomplished these goals, also the impact, if any, this had made on them.
The walls between everyone were let down for a while that day. It was amazing, every child (even the very shy ones) commented. Examples being:
I never realized how much more effort it takes a disabled person just to do daily chores.
I've always thought why can't disabled people just deal with life without help, but now I know how tough their lives are. Anytime I see anyone disabled or not that needs help, I'm going to offer it.
Thank you for allowing us to experience this. Now I can understand and sympathize with disabled people.
AND the ultimate compliment said more than once;
My favorite station was the wheelchair one, because now we know what and how you sacrifice for us. Thank you!
As they said this tears of joy and acceptance ran down my face. Trying to stop the floodgates from pouring forth I challenged anyone to a wheelchair race and every hand in the gym went up. Even my three professors volunteered for this and the next day each of them congratulated me on a A+ job, saying, "You bridged a gap with your class. I'm proud to say I was a tiny bit of what happened and was there to see it unfold".
You did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last.
John 15:16
I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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