A Touch of Understanding: Disability Education

Introduction

A Touch of Understanding is an organization whose mission is to provide disability awareness programs that are designed to educate new generations with an understanding of the challenges associated with disabilities.

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The organization strives to give students the capability to accept and respect all individuals, despite ability. A Touch of Understanding (ATOU) is a nonprofit organization made up of dedicated people, some of whom have disabilities, some of whom do not, who work together as a strong team to help students look beyond disability, a wheelchair, braces, or unpredictable behavior to see the person.

ATOU was incorporated in the year 1996 with dedicated volunteers. The program is geared towards students from elementary to high school ages. Mainstreaming and full-inclusion are more prevalent with all students, non-disabled and disabled, needing to recognize their common humanity, feelings, and desires. Every year ATOU speaks to around four thousand students in the Greater Sacramento area of California.

Every one of the students they instruct participates in a two-part program involving the following:

• An activity portion of ATOU's program, where students use mobility canes and wheelchairs, handle braces and artificial limbs, write in Braille, and participate in mirror-writing so they may understand the frustration of a learning disability.
• Students also meet with ATOU volunteers with disabilities and share their experiences and insight with honesty and a sense of humor.

ATOU's program works by turning negative attitudes into positive ones while facilitating stronger interpersonal skills among the students involved. Attitudes improve as respectful interactions increase. Comments from students after the presentations remind parents, students, and ATOU just how important their work is.

"You taught me to not stare at people with disabilities and care for them. Because sometime I might have a disability."- Elementary school student

"Thank you for giving us the gift of your time. I learned a lot. One thing I learned was to respect people with disabilities. My brother has high-order autism, and my family teats him the same, but everyone points and stares when we go to the store. They won't take the time to listen. He does everything I can, just differently. He even goes to different countries' websites and learns their language! "- Elementary school student

"If you are not exposed to people with disabilities, you feel curious and scared when you see them. Even if you want to approach them, you don't know how to act. Kids need to realize that they are people like them and experience interactions with them to gain comfort. My daughter's participation in the program leads to some insightful conversations in our home. Thank you!"- Elementary school parent

"She will know how to accept and behave around individuals with disabilities. Thank you! I think other children don't know how to act around others with disabilities, and this program brought real people and stories to clear things up."- Elementary school parent

Involving A Touch of Understanding in Your School

Teachers or the Principal of a school can visit the A Touch of Understanding website and view a nine-minute video giving them an overview of the organization's program. On the site, they can also read testimonials from other teachers, administrators, parents, and students. While visiting the ATOU website, teachers or a Principal can learn a great deal about the program, although it is always best to call the organization and discuss ways to work with them to bring A Touch of Understanding to your school. Scheduling and cost are determined for each school based on the number of students participating and the time and space available.

A Touch of Understanding estimates the cost of a presentation for forty students to be $2,000. Through the organization, ATOU solicits enough money to bring the cost of a presentation down to $480 for forty students. ATOU is eager to help school personnel. Here are some suggested ways to achieve funding to bring A Touch of Understanding to your school:

• Grants
• Rotary
• Social Clubs
• Individual Contributions
• Soroptimist
• Lions
• Kiwanis
• Fund raising or sponsorship through Parent-Teacher Organizations

Volunteer Opportunities at ATOU

The team of volunteers from A Touch of Understanding travels to schools in Placer Counter and throughout the greater Sacramento, California area. They bring hands-on disability awareness to students through a core program. The program involves a three-hour presentation. The presentation allows students to experience what it might be like to have a disability or be a little different.

The volunteers for ATOU are essential. Three to five volunteer speakers and four to eight volunteer activity instructors are involved in every school program the organization presents. ATOU has several volunteer opportunities you can participate in.

• Program Speakers: Program speakers are individuals with disabilities who share their personal stories, interact with students and offer new perspectives and insight through honesty and humor.
• Activity Instructors: Activity instructors are individuals who help students with program activities. They interact with students while guiding them through activities at every station. Many instructors assist with uploading and setup up presentation equipment.
• Professionals: Professionals are members of the local community who offer services on a pro bono basis, assisting ATOU with accounting, graphic arts, technical support, legal services, and more.
• Special Event Participants: Special event participants may be volunteers who assist with public relations and drivers for speakers with disabilities; they may help with fundraising events, community events, fairs, and more.

A Touch of Understanding is always seeking committed volunteers to help with weekly presentations and additional events throughout the year. Volunteers are the heart of ATOU, and the organization welcomes new people. Volunteering for A Touch of Understanding is a wonderful way to give back to the community.

Author Credentials:
Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.