​Our Disability Awareness Programs for Private Schools use the Bible to foster a culture of inclusion through education and the development of relationships between individuals with and without disabilities.

Disability Awareness Programs

SCHOOLWIDE DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK (K-5TH) OR DAY (6TH-12TH)
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• Disability Awareness Programs are designed for students in K-12th grade. Schoolwide curriculum is available for students in both general education and self-contained settings. Programs highlight the definition of disability, disability history, assistive technology, careers, advocacy and empathy. In addition, students participate in a schoolwide project. Throughout the program, students and staff are challenged to explore the Old and New Testaments to develop a disability theology. They discover that Scripture reveals that people with disabilities are valuable, invited and have a God-given purpose.

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• Why are Disability Awareness Programs important? Research shows that by age three, children notice physical disabilities and, by age four, they become fearful of differences. Since one in seven students are disabled, education about disability is critical. Disability awareness programs decrease bullying, fear and stigma and increase self-esteem and pride of students with disabilities. Also, studies show that disability awareness programs benefit all students and positively impact relationships between students with and without disabilities. Additionally, our programs lead to further discussion on how modern day churches, schools and communities can strive to be more accessible for people with disabilities so they have equal access to the Gospel and can participate in local churches, schools and communities.​​

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (4TH-12TH)

• ​Students enrolled in BRIDGED's faith-based Leadership Development Program meet once a week for 13 weeks and will use the Bible and Jesus’ ministry as a guide to learn about leadership and disability. Each week, students will be challenged to grow in their faith, develop leadership skills and use what they are learning to impact their communities. Students with and without disabilities are encouraged to apply for the program.​

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• Objectives of the Private School Leadership Development Program:
  • Using the Bible as a guide, students will learn about disability-inclusive leader qualities, including empathy, awareness, effective communication and community building.
  • Students will acquire foundational leadership skills including team building, communication and social skills.
  • Using Jesus’ ministry as an example, students will develop disability awareness, sensitivity and inclusion.
  • Students will study other disability topics including disability history, assistive technology, accessibility, careers and advocacy.
    
    

Attention Principals, Teachers, Parents & Community Members!

If you would like more information about our Disability Awareness Programs or you are interested in adding one or more of our programs to your school, please contact us.

CONTACT US

Testimonials

""I feel like [the program] has made the school a more welcoming place."
–Student

[This program] has been an incredibly positive experience for my daughter. She has described her time in the program as rewarding and positively challenging. I have observed her personal growth during this process and believe that her life has been enhanced by this program."
–Parent

"The lessons have taught my students to have an appreciation and understanding of the differences within our class such as our learning needs, talents, strengths, and areas of growth. It has also helped the students appreciate and find value in their own learning needs as well."
—Teacher

The program has not only impacted my teaching but also the lives of my kindergarteners. Learning ways to foster more inclusive classroom environments has encouraged my students to critically think about our friends with disabilities, both visible and invisible, and form meaningful relationships with them in and out of the classroom. We have been exposed to many books and activities through [the program] and Disability Awareness Week that have helped promote friendship, kindness, and respect for all learners!
—Teacher