A Touch of Understanding fosters respect and empathy for all individuals. In a society that bombards us with violent images and victim mentality, A Touch of Understanding stresses:

appreciation of others and their feelings
affirmation of human value
self esteem and mutual respect
character development, modeling perseverance and resiliency
problem solving with positive and meaningful solutions

To influence the attitudes of our youth, the program is geared toward elementary through high school students. With mainstreaming/full inclusion becoming more prevalent, all students, able bodied and disabled, need to recognize their common humanity, desires and feelings.

With an interactive and "hands -on" approach, A Touch of Understanding encourages its participants to focus on their own strengths rather than weaknesses and realize that everyone is facing challenges.

We have incredibly dedicated volunteers who interact with the students and profoundly change the perceptions and misconceptions commonly held toward those who seem different.

The program works. It's turning negative attitudes into positive ones. It's facilitating stronger interpersonal skills within the next generation.

Last Updated Mon, Jan. 23rd 2006

The Need

"I am more concerned with the way other children treat my son than I am about the disability itself" said a mother of a boy with mental retardation.

A young man with Cerebral Palsy said that a fellow student approached him while in high school, and said, "I didn't know they allowed retards in here!"
A third grader hides behind a dumpster during recess to avoid ridicule and abuse by his classmates.

Last Updated Mon, Jan. 23rd 2006

The Objectives

ENCOURAGE acceptance, empathy and friendship toward people with disabilities, both in and out of the classroom

EDUCATE children, as well as adults, to consider and recognize the challenges, tools and accomplishments of disabled individuals.

DE-MYSTIFY assistive devices used by disabled individuals through hands-on and "try'em on" experience.

INTRODUCE students to positive role models who deal with disabling conditions and who show how it's done with determination, honesty, and humor.

DEMONSTRATE how technology offers new opportunities to improve lives.

INCREASE public awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities,
thereby reducing the structural and emotional obstacles that too often confront them.

EMPOWER students to make positive choices when facing personal challenges.

Last Updated Fri, Aug. 11th 2006

The Reward

The benefits of this unique experience extend far beyond this brief session. It touches hearts.

"I admit that I made fun of some people that were disabled. From now on I'll try not to." ...Student
"You helped me understand why people have stuff like fake arms and legs...Now I have know how others might feel when they are being stared at ...Thank you" ... Student
"At a time when callous and cruel behavior is increasing in our schools, this message of respect and understanding deserves attention."... Volunteer Edwards Ennis
"It's a win-win-win situation: Our volunteers love uniting with our students in fostering appreciation of mutual humanness; our audiences appreciate the opportunity to share and grow; and our volunteers have a special knack for nurturing each self and each other." ... Volunteer JDD