The Connecticut Developmental Disabilities Network (DDN) was established to provide leadership for implementation of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act.
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People with disabilities and their families are
at the heart of how we plan, complete,
and evaluate our activities.
We also rely on a broad range of professionals, organizations and agencies
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Elementary Children Disability Awareness Pilot Project
Overview
This project provides elementary school children and their teachers with a better understanding of disability as a “natural” part of differences found in everyone. The project is being piloted in grades one, two and three in the Bridgeport after - school system. An emphasis is placed on teaching children about people with various types of disabilities, as well as the role an assistance dog can play in the life of someone with a disability. Presentations and a children’s book entitled “Sassy Goes To Work: A Dog With a Very Important Job” provide children with a foundation to develop acceptance and tolerance of peoples’ differences. Children have an opportunity to ask questions and build a framework that will continue into adulthood. Some of the questions often asked by the children included:
“Why does Sassy wear a cape?”
“Why can’t I pet her? Can I ever pet her?”
“Can Sassy cook and fold clothes too?”
“If someone can’t hear, how do they know what their dog is talking about?”
“If Sassy can’t help you, what do you do?”
Goals
To increase the knowledge and comfort level of at least 200 elementary age children with regards to people with various types of disabilities, thus enhancing relationships with people with disabilities.
Highlights
The following two projects were recently conducted by project staff:
August 27 & 28, 2005 - “Pet Talk” on Channel 12 News Norwalk, CT
The featured segment discussed the Elementary School Children Disability Awareness Program and children’s book “Sassy Goes to Work” with Project Coordinator, Therese Nadeau and her Service Dog, Sassy.
October 22, 2005 - Family Reading Day at the Groton Public Library
Therese and Sassy will be featured guests for a story reading and “Meet the Author” event. Therese will read the book “Sassy Goes to Work” and hold a conversation around disability awareness geared towards elementary school aged children.
Early Childhood initiatives at the UCEDD focus on evidenced based practices and learning outcomes. We provide training and technical assistance to early interventionists, teachers, therapists, service coordinators, policy makers and families on a variety of areas including social competence, early literacy, early childhood outcomes, service coordination practices, and evidenced based intervention practices.
School Age initiatives at the UCEDD focus on the inclusion of children with disabilities in typical school and community life. We provide training and technical assistance to families, school personnel and community members in a variety of areas including the special education process, inclusive education, adapted curriculum, assistive technology, disability awareness and person-centered planning.
Adult initiatives at the UCEDD focus on including people with disabilities in their communities. We provide training and technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, state agencies, service providers and other community members in a variety of areas including the hiring of personal assistants, accessible transportation, emergency preparedness and response, and health care.