Irving College hosts disability awareness event
To increase awareness and compassion for the disabled, Irving College Elementary and Health Sphere Wellness Center teamed up Friday to give the students a glimpse at the difficulties faced by those with physical challenges.
“Our hope is to increase the students’ understanding of their classmates and others in the community who have physical challenges and to help them learn how to help others,” said physical therapist and Health Sphere Wellness Center owner Karen Pryor, who, along with Irving College physical education teacher Carlene Burton, created the awareness event.
The event was held throughout the day in the school’s gym. The goal, said Pryor, was to take away one ability or sense and then make the students complete an obstacle course with that disability.
Using wheelchairs, walkers and canes donated for the day by Stewart Pharmacy, the students rolled and maneuvered around the gym, albeit a bit awkwardly. They were also blindfolded and had some of their limbs restricted, thus making them reliant on others for assistance.
“And when we give them a ‘disability’ we’re not letting them choose which one – just like those with special needs don’t get to choose,” said Pryor.
Burton noted that while students seemed to be having fun, they were also learning first-hand what a handful of their fellow students go through everyday and that hopefully they will be more understanding when encountering and befriending them in the future.
“Maybe it will open their eyes just a little,” she said.
Pryor, who works with special needs children both inside the school system and in her office, said she would like to expand the free-of-charge awareness event to all county schools.