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Understanding and respecting diversity in others

Why do a class project?
It's fun to learn about diversity!
It's important to be respectful!
It's easy to discover new friends!
It's an easy way to make a positive difference in attitudes!
Besides, YOUR CLASS CAN WIN!

WE CHALLENGE YOU AND YOUR CLASS TO GET INVOLVED IN AN ALL KIDS CAN! DIVERSITY PROJECT!

Check out these suggestions for projects:

  • Create a display case in a school or town library that features well-written, factual, interesting books about people with disabilities
  • Show a movie that focuses on disabilities awareness and hold a discussion afterwards (Consider inviting a panel of people with disabilities to offer their perspectives and answer audience questions)
  • Visit a newly integrated (disabled with non-disabled) elementary school classroom and organize a set of fun activities for the students that focus on disability awareness and team building
  • Talk to school clubs and youth programs about recruiting members with disabilities - stress the importance of inclusion - everyone having a chance to participate in activities - and use people with disabilities as a resource
  • Start a buddy program in your community for ADA compliance and accessibility. Hand out ADA violation cards to businesses that are not accessible
  • Take a day and "spot check" businesses in your community for ADA violations and hand out cards to those that are not accessible
  • Join a committee, group, or board that works with issues and/or services for people with disabilities
  • Organize sensitivity and "disability etiquette" training for local businesses; Invite people with disabilities to be workshop trainers and offer their suggestions
  • Write letters to local, state and national legislators and newspapers about supporting programs that promote inclusion and integration
  • Write letters to fund-raising programs encouraging them to keep up the good work and to consider using positive portrayals of people with disabilities in their promotional advertising and materials

Congratulations to:  Bryan Adams High School (Dallas), Obadiah Knight Elementary (Dallas), and Storey Elementary (Allen) for launching awareness programs at their schools!!

What's your suggestion for a class project?
E-mail us and we'll add it to the list!

After you choose a project, then what?
Register your class project with us (see below). Individuals, classes, or other types of groups may compete. Your project choice does not have to be one of those listed above. Complete your project by one of the deadlines stated below, then send us the written results and any photos you've taken. We'll post your project on this site!

How do you win?
Entries will be judged on the effectiveness of your project and it's positive impact on understanding and respecting others, particularly those with disabilities. Be sure to include information on how your project will improve the quality of life for people who live with disabilities. Preference is given to projects that focus on people with cognitive developmental disabilities (onset before the age of 18) such as Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, Prader Willie, etc. For more information on cognitive developmental disabilities, check out The Arc of Dallas website or contact us by e-mail. The deadlines are January 15 for a fall semester project and April 15 for a "March is Mental Retardation Awareness Month" project. Entrees must be received or postmarked by the specified dates. Winners will be notified and posted February 15, 2001 for fall projects and May 25, 2001 for MR month projects.

Winners will receive a plaque, a cash donation to be given to a program of their choice that encourages respect and inclusion of people with disabilities, and will be featured on the All Kids Can! Website Hall of Fame.



Registration and Results should be submitted to:
The All Kids Can! Project c/o The Arc of Dallas
2114 Anson Rd., Dallas, Texas 75235
Phone: 214-634-9810
Fax: 214-634-9815
E-mail: AKC@ArcDallas.org

Include the following information:
Teacher/Contact Name
School/Group/Individual's Name
Mailing Address
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Short Description of the chosen project (registration)
What you hope to accomplish with the project (registration)
A summary of the actual project and it's results (results)
Include any other relevant information including photos