Programs and Services

Disability Awareness Program

Grandview's Disability Awareness Program is generously supported by:

Scotiabank

Grandview's Disability Awareness Program is a free service to our community in Durham Region to educate students about differences, while advocating acceptance and inclusion. Our Disability Awareness Program Coordinator is available to work with parents/guardians to develop a presentation with a particular child/youth in mind, or can conduct presentations tailored for various age groups to raise general awareness of disabilities - and abilities.

Parents/guardians, principals, teachers and staff can request a presentation by submitting a request here

The Disability Awareness Program makes a difference in the lives of families everyday.

 

Feedback about Grandview's Disability Awareness Program:

From Educators:

"The Disability Awareness Program promotes awareness and equity and highlights ways that students' differences can be valued."

"Visual aids were excellent. Interaction and questions from the students were always encouraged."

"The presentation was engaging and interesting. Thanks!"

"This was very positive in increasing awareness of the abilities of children with various challenges."

"I like how the presentation got the kids thinking and sharing. It was worthwhile - and the presenter was enthusiastic."

"Excellent presentation involving students from JK to Grade 8. Everyone was able to learn and participate."

"Overall I thought the presentation went very well. It has led to some of the students attempting to form some positive relationships with J. I think the most received and helpful part was the book about J. It led me to think that if I have/we have a student with J's needs again it, would be great if they entered their new [school] environment with a book like this." - Paul Switzer, Kindergarten Teacher, Glen Dhu Public School, Whitby

From Parents:

"The Disability Awareness presentation that was provided by Grandview to my son Ryan's class was exceptional! His Grade 4 classmates were very interested in the presentation and in learning ways that Ryan is just like them. They were given an opportunity to ask questions about disabilities and about Ryan. The students just wanted to understand him and his needs better so they can be a better friend to him. This presentation helped them to gain that understanding. Thank you!" - Kelly Smigielski, Ryan's mother
 
"We want to thank you for the excellent presentation to our son's class. He was thrilled, as was his brother and all of their classmates. The customized storybook you prepared was 'bang on' and targeted the concerns our son had [about the way his disability is perceived by peers] most appropriately. We plan to use it every year from now on to share with each classroom teacher. Your kindness, compassion and understanding of children with special needs is much appreciated in how you met with us and our son to learn about him and our family, and in how well you conducted the presentation to his class." - parent
066bb3