Able-Bodied Students Get Feel For Disabled Life

Article submitted by Teri Maihen

With the goal of showing able-bodied students what it's like to live with a disability or life challenge, Robinson Elementary students got the lesson of a lifetime.

The school's PTA, with the help of Santa Margarita Catholic High School student volunteers, hosted Ability Awareness Day on Jan. 28.

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The effort showed local fifth- and sixth-graders what it's like to live with a disability or life challenge, and helped them gain a greater understanding of the abilities we all share, as well as the determination it takes to overcome physical limitations some people live with every day.

Stations were set up to demonstrate what it is like to be challenged with vision, hearing, and fine/gross motor skills. Students also learned about and were inspired by famous people who had disabilities.

The idea was to have students walk away understanding that things they take for granted—things they do on a daily basis and don't think about—can be difficult for others.

This was also a kickoff for the school to celebrate Robinson students who will be athletes at the Special Olympics on March 8 at Santa Margarita Catholic High.

Togo's of Rancho Santa Margarita donated lunch for the volunteers.