Students at Wayside Elementary School got a lesson in acceptance recently during the fifth annual Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP) Week, which was held earlier this month. The event included a week of disability awareness activities designed to foster awareness among students.

"We believe that the children learned … that everyone can be successful learners with appropriate supports," said Donna Michela, principal Wayside Elementary School. "They learned that regardless of disabilities, all of the students in our school have similar likes and interests and should be treated with kindness and respect."

Students watched documentary films and read books about special needs and empathy. One of the most powerful events, say organizers, were the simulation activities in which students got an opportunity to experience what it's like to live with a disability.

"The students find the hands on activities the most fascinating," said Michela. "Experiencing activities where they have limited vision or hearing, where they have difficulty navigating what is typically easy and not being able to use all of the senses or skills gives them an increased appreciation for the challenges of others."

Michela says that the Wayside Community includes includes students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. "We believe that there must be continuous learning and modeling of behaviors to ensure that children develop empathy and understanding of the challenges that others face," she said.

In addition to the annual SNAP Week program, the school offers other opportunities for fostering awareness and acceptance. "Our special needs students have daily opportunities to mainstream … and we have a Buddy Club for general education students to interact and provide support with their peers in the special education classrooms," said Michela.