Grades 6-8  •  Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Memorial Middle School challenges students to appreciate their abilities and be more sensitive to those with disabilities. Using a hands-on, cooperative approach, the Walk in My Shoes program offers students an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges faced by those with disabilities. Student pairs travel to a series of classroom stations, where different disabilities are presented. One student acts as the "guide" while the other role-plays being the "challenged" student. Students record their experiences, observations, thoughts, feelings, and questions in the response journal for each station. This workshop serves as the hands-on component of a larger research investigation into different forms of disability. Students form research teams and explore the medical, social, and personal challenges facing those with a particular disability. Student teams then become "resident experts" on their assigned challenge and assume responsibility for educating their peers. This process cuts down on fear and ignorance and brings about greater understanding and appreciation. Those with challenges are encouraged to see themselves as "able," regardless of the label they are given by society.