To help able bodied persons better understand the situation of disabled persons.

OVERVIEW

For the fully able, it is impossible to understand what it is like to be disabled. This activity attempts place kids in a role of being disabled. Through this exercise, it is hoped that greater sensitivity and compassion for disabled persons will emerge.

LEADER PREPARATION

Obtain the following: video clips showing a disabled person (the movie, "Born on the Fourth of July" is one idea), pens, paper, cotton balls, blindfolds, ear plugs, rope or string to tie hands together, table setting, healthy snack food (like pretzels, popcorn, or bagels), beverages, and napkins.

GROUP BUILDING

Pair participants. Assign each person a disability. Some will be blind (blindfolded), some hearing impaired (cotton balls in ears), some deaf (ear plugs in ears), some will have no arms (hands tied behind back), some cannot speak, etc. Give some people multiple disabilities. Have them sit at the table and have their partner feed them and try to communicate with them. This will be quite interesting with their new problems in communicating. They will also be humbled to experience what it is like to need to be fed by someone. After 5-10 minutes have them switch positions.

GROUP PRESENTATION

After removing their disabilities, gather around to watch the video or hear a speaker. It is also effective to bring in as speaker with a disability to share his/her experience. Provide statistics or information concerning disabilities.

GROUP DISCUSSION

1. How did you feel when you were disabled?
2. How should we view people with disabilities?
3. What does that mean in your life?

WRAP-UP

Disabled people are simply people with disabilities. One must look beyond their handicap and see the real person. It is normal to feel uncomfortable at first, but people must attempt to get past that point. Discuss various options for service projects that would help people with disabilities.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

Depending on your number of participants, follow up with group or individual discussions. Participating in a service project has life-changing potential. It is important to help kids learn to interact with disabled persons. Individuals in the youth group could each be given certain disabilities to "experience" throughout the week. This may be done by trying it, talking with people who have disabilities, or library research.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Experiential learning will help kids to become more aware of what it means to be disabled. Their interest will heighten; their desire to become involved will probably increase.
2. Participants may also gain a greater appreciation of their healthy bodies.