Understanding Our Differences (UOD)

UOD’s curriculum targets 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and consists of 6 units.  Each unit covering a different disability.  When fully adopted, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will each attend 2 units per year, usually one in the Fall and one in the Winter/Spring.  The breakdown is:

  • 3rd Grade:  Physical Disabilities, Deafness/Hard of Hearing
  • 4th Grade:  Learning Disabilities, Blindness/Low Vision
  • 5th Grade:  Intellectual Disabilities, Autism

Each curriculum unit is presented to the entire grade at the same time over a 2hr period, and all units follow a similar structure.  The entire program is run by parents, but staff is usually present to oversee and keep kids oriented.  Each curriculum unit consists of:

  • A general overview of the disability category.
  • Hands-on small group activities that help students understand the disability, challenges associated with it, and ways these challenges are overcome.  Parent volunteers run these small group sessions.
  • A guest speaker who has the disability being discussed participates in a Q&A session where kids can ask whatever questions they want.

Program Timeframe: Ongoing

Committee Members: Beverly Montgomery, Jaina Morgan

Committee Emailuod@hastings-pto.org