Welcome to the SSEPAC Site
Experiencing Differences
A Sharon Disability Awareness Program
What is “Experiencing Differences?”
Experiencing Differences is an educational program designed to increase awareness and sensitivity toward people with disabilities and those with individual differences in our community. The focus of Experiencing Differences is to educate 3rd and 4th graders about people with disabilities. This successful program was developed and instituted in the Newton Public Schools since 1979. Sharon Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC) purchased and initiated this program in 2003 and has continued to successfully implement it during the past 6 years to each of our elementary schools. The curriculum consists of six instructional units that provide specific information and experiential learning activities related to:
- Deafness/Hard of Hearing
- Blindness/Visual Impairment
- Physical Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Developmental Delay/Mental Retardation
- Special Medical Conditions (asthma, epilepsy, and diabetes)
A wide variety of materials and activities are utilized including hands-on activities, simulated activities, group discussions, videotapes, printed materials, and use of adaptive equipment. This is followed by guest speakers who share their experiences and insights as well as respond to questions.
What are the objectives of “Experiencing Differences?”
- Children become aware of their own fears regarding disabilities.
- Children become aware of the human similarities they share with all people including those with disabilities.
- Children become more comfortable in assisting people who have a disability and in using special equipment for such disabilities.
- To learn to respect and accept ALL people.
- To help build an inclusive school community and create a town that is more tolerant, compassionate, and understanding.
Who sponsors this program?
“Experiencing Differences” is presented by the Sharon Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC) in collaboration with the Sharon Public Schools, PTO’s, and supported by grants from the Sharon Education Foundation. This program will run during the months of October, January, and March for all 3rd and 4th grade classes in Sharon.
How is this being implemented?
Each classroom receives a 90 minute presentation each month on a disability unit for a total of 6 hours, covering the following disabilities:
3rd grade – Blindness, Deafness, and Physical
4th grade – Learning Disabilities, Developmental Delay/MR, and Special Medical
Conditions
We have six Sharon Parent volunteers who serve as system wide coordinators for their respective disability units. They assist and train each unit instructor and classroom volunteers. At the end of each month, the students as a group meet with a guest speaker who will share his/her experiences and provide follow up discussion.
For more information regarding Experiencing Differences, and/or to volunteer, please contact Coordinator:
Please contact
SSEPAC
1 School Street, Sharon, MA 02067
Phone: 781/784-1554, Ext. 8090
www.ssepac.org
email: Contact Us
