Over the past year, Summit DD has been developing an essential learning opportunity for middle school students. “It’s designed to teach inclusion, kindness and acceptance,” shared Summit DD Early Childhood Support Specialist Lucy Boss.

“When developing trainings, Summit DD is committed to meeting the individual needs and requests of our communities. We achieve this goal by facilitating community-based interviews, embedding ourselves within programs or organizations, if possible, and by always ensuring the right experts are seated at the table of content development. As you can imagine, it didn’t take long for project lead, Lucy Boss to identify, middle school students were hands down, the experts on what and how content information should be delivered in a school setting,” said Summit DD Assistant Director of Inclusion, Lynnette Klejka.

In early May, the student feedback culminated in a first-of-its-kind learning experience. “Today we had our senses challenged to get a better understanding of what students with disabilities may be facing and the frustrations they may experience,” shared Chad Nash, the teacher in charge of the Tallmadge Builder’s Club.

The unique learning experience featured several stations centered on the human senses. Each table was led by Summit DD inclusion and early childhood experts. Students were challenged to think differently about their own senses and how people with disabilities may perceive the world.

“Their opinions and suggestions have truly helped form an essential program that’s inspirational and educational. They helped show the importance of inclusion, kindness and acceptance, and also just how easy it is to put into action,” commented Summit DD’s Lucy Boss.

At the end of the learning experience, Summit DD staff held an open dialogue with the students. When asked if the program should be offered in all schools, the students quickly and resounding stated yes!

Explore the slideshow below to see this learning experience in action!