October is time to celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month. In my position as a school psychologist, I am fortunate to frequently have the opportunity to work with and participate in educational planning for children with disabilities. Discovering a child's abilities and helping to uncover potential is one of the greatest privileges of my position. Please take the time to check out WCPSS's website that provides valuable information to support all children. Talk with your child about various disabilities and encourage them to ask questions and learn more. Emphasize the importance of being inclusive and embracing individual differences. There are so many amazing individuals who have unlocked their own potential! Your child may enjoy learning more about famous people with disabilities and their accomplishments:
David Beckham (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
Chris Burke (Down Syndrome)
Tom Cruise (Dyslexia)
Temple Grandin (Autism)
Stephen Hawking (ALS)
Helen Keller (Deaf & Blind)
Michael Phelps (Atttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Franklin Roosevelt (Physically Impaired)
Ben Stiller (Bipolar Disorder)
Stevie Wonder (Blindness)
For more information about Discoverability:
http://www.wcpss.net/disability-awareness/