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 Email: uod@hastings-pto.org