The Daily Delegate

By: Madeleine Tuft

How can society destigmatize disabilities to prevent harassment and exclusion? The Forum Senate Accessibility and Disability Committee proposes a bill to implement a curriculum determined to address this crucial question. The proposed curriculum would be established in elementary schools and the first year of middle school, for kids in grades first through sixth. This educational program will spread awareness of people with disabilities in elementary schools by destigmatizing disabilities. The bill aims to do so by teaching how different mental disabilities work and how it can change someone’s perspective of the world, helping to build empathy, introducing the science behind disabilities (specifically to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders), and teaching the basics of ASL sign language and Braille. This curriculum is essential to promote understanding of disabilities, therefore lowering rates of bullying and harassment of kids with disabilities and promoting a more harmonious learning environment for all students. Overall this bill will promote an atmosphere of empathy and understanding in learning environments, which will stay with kids as they grow into adulthood helping create a world where everyone can have equal opportunity.