May 28, 2007 11:40 am US/Central
Evanston Students Learn From Disabled Classmates
"Disability Awareness Day" Teaches Kids Appreciation For Challenges Of Their Classmates
by Jim Mullen
EVANSTON (CBS) ―
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Students at Evanston Township High School learned what it's like to have similar limitations as disabled classmates, including limited mobility in their hands.
CBS
If you don't have a disability, it can be hard to relate to the challenges of someone who does. CBS 2's Disabilities Reporter, Jim Mullen went back to school recently and met some students who are teaching valuable lessons.
"You never realize how important it is to actually have all of your fingers to work with until you actually don't have them," said one of the organizers of a special event at a north suburban high school recently.
That's exactly the kind of things students were learning at "Disability Awareness Day" at Evanston Township High School.
"It really gives the eths community a better understanding of people with disabilities," said student Stephen Hiatt-Leonard
The event is hosted by the school's "Disability Awareness Club." Some of the club's members have disabilities, others do not.
"Not many students are aware there's a population in this school that is special. It's important to show these special students deserve as much attention as we give others," said Jennifer Federer, a member of the club.
Club adviser Lisa Walter said, "They're all friends all there on the same level, learning from each other."
During the event, students who don't have disabilities were learning what it's like to have mobility issues and visual impairments.
One girl who tried on a specially modified set of goggles said, "I could not read anything on that sheet of paper. It shows me how much they go through every day."
Stephen said, "It opens their eyes. They can interact more with students who have disabilities."
On this day, club members also got special recognition from district officials. But optimism and respect were the real stars.
One student said, "I tutor someone with a disability. I get a sense of hope. I see them succeed. I know that anything is possible if we just keep working on finding solutions."
The Disabilities Awareness Club is responsible for some big changes at the school. They include accessible elevators and drinking fountains and a new ramp.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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