This past February, students from Hancock Elementary School had the opportunity to visit a few of our Delarc locations; Studio190, THRIVE, and CLS Walton. This was a powerful experience for the students and the self-advocates at each of Delarc’s programs.

 

The students were paired up into groups which were led by self-advocate mentors. After the students and mentors went to their designated areas, the mentors gave them a specific activity that would be a learning tool for what one with IDD may find challenging to accomplish on their own. The mentors then were able to take the role of supporting them in each activity.

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One Hancock student was given an oven mitt wrapped with rubber bands which gave him a better understanding of how restricted mobility of your hand impacts a person’s ability to write legibly. Some students were given a special pair of glasses to simulate how some people with disabilities view their surroundings.

Other groups of students were introduced to some of the different activities that the mentors participate in at The Arc. Activities such as working with the Cricut machine, stretching, and a fun group exercise.
After the activities, a Pizza lunch was prepared at Thrive for everyone. This allowed the students and mentors more time to hang out and truly get to know each other. 
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After lunch wrapped up, everyone gathered in the large room and played basketball and cornhole while waiting for the group assembly to begin.
When the assembly was ready, everyone gathered around and took their seats while the Self Advocacy Group Officers lead the assembly. Each officer introduced themselves, then the next activity was introduced. A beach ball was tossed around, and whoever caught the ball had to answer the question “What was your favorite part of the day?”
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“My favorite part of the day was meeting new friends” 

 

The students from Hancock Elementary left with a better appreciation of the differences between everyone as well as their many similarities. We all are human beings, doing the best we can with the abilities we were given.

 

*Visit update

Earlier this month, self-advocates from Studio 190 along with life coach, Nicky Carr, surprised the students with the painting they had collaborated on during their Studio 190 visit.

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