Disability Awareness at Brighton Middle School

Navigating the wheelchair obstacle course

Sixth graders at Twelve Corners Middle School participated in disability awareness activities on October 9, 10, and 11. Students had the opportunity to navigate a wheelchair obstacle course, try out adaptive equipment, and participate in exercises designed to increase their understanding of what it is like to live with a disability. Over 200 students participated, and each day started with an assembly and closed with a drumming performance by Matt Giordano, a talented local musician who has Tourette syndrome.

Rhonda Miga, a Brighton parent, and Colleen Brown, Public Education Coordinator at The Advocacy Center, organized the event. They targeted sixth graders because it is a crucial age in terms of social development. "We are thrilled with the outcomes of the three days," said Colleen Brown. "We have already had feedback from teachers that they are seeing students without disabilities interacting more with students who have disabilities. The students see that they are more alike than different, and the results are increased understanding and acceptance." 

Events each day were led by a group of more than twenty staff and volunteers from The Advocacy Center and Brighton Middle School.

For more information about disability awareness, contact Colleen Brown at The Advocacy Center at (585) 546-1700 ext. 267.