“Playing with my buddy taught me that you, of anyone, shouldn’t judge a person
with a disability as different from you because we all have disabilities.” Hannah, age
10
“Together, We Are Able”® is an interactive social inclusion program that
encourages children with typical abilities to move beyond common stereotypes
toward people with disabilities. The goals of the program are to:
• Learn to value and appreciate diversity
• Examine and dispel the myths and misconceptions about disabilities
• Discover the common ground that students with and without disabilities
share
• Strengthen life skills such as communication, observation, listening,
patience, and acceptance
Classroom Workshop: In the greater Los Angeles area, our trained staff will
come to the classroom and facilitate an age-appropriate ability awareness
workshop that includes a hands-on activity, group discussion, written reflections,
and an inspirational video. Interactive Field Trip: We will coordinate a field trip to a Shane’s Inspiration
Inclusive Playground, which pairs students with their peers with disabilities at
one of our playgrounds. The students spend a half day playing with and learning
from each other. Our staff bring toys and games to help students connect
through play. Classroom Follow-Up: Our staff return to the classroom for a debriefing, which
gives students a chance to examine how their thoughts and feelings towards
people with disabilities and towards themselves have changed. Extension Activities: For those interested in a more in-depth program, Shane’s
Inspiration offers the following ability-awareness themed activities:
• A humanities-based academic curriculum tied to Common Core
Standards that continues the awareness
• A take-home guide for parents of children with typical abilities
• An internet-based buddy program that continues the classroom
connection
• A School Inclusion Lunch Box that allows schools to self-deliver the
program
Professional Development: Our staff can come to your school and host a one-
hour, interactive staff workshop that helps participants understand the need for
and impact of supporting social inclusion for children with disabilities.
