This past Thursday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the 6th grade students from Hancock Central School for a hands-on learning experience at Delarc. The visit was designed to give students a meaningful look at the services we provide and, more importantly, to help them experience inclusion, empathy, and the value of different perspectives.
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of interactive activities, each designed to encourage creativity, teamwork, movement, and sensory awareness.
Creativity and Collaboration
The day began with a Current Events discussion led by Monte Bates and Tammy Green, where students talked about the upcoming Paralympics and the achievements of athletes with disabilities. From there, creativity took center stage as students explored a range of artistic experiences, including:
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A collaborative painting project with Jaime Monstert
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Origami frog making with Frankie LaBoy-Diaz
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Candle-making with Jamie Gould
These activities highlighted the importance of self-expression, teamwork, and the creative opportunities available at Delarc.
Experiencing the World Through Different Perspectives
Students also took part in several sensory and awareness-based activities designed to build empathy and understanding of how people experience the world in different ways. Experiences included:
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A rain cloud experiment using shaving cream, food coloring, and water
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Painting on canvases while blindfolded using shaving cream to simulate creating art without sight
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A touch-and-match textile board activity while blindfolded
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Guided blind tracking through the building with staff support
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A sensory room “Follow Your Nose” scent identification activity
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Balloon volleyball to encourage teamwork and communication
These hands-on activities gave students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and better understand the importance of accessibility and support.
Movement, Wellness, and Expression
Students stayed active throughout the day with a variety of movement and wellness activities, including:
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Group exercises and gym activities
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Cardio drumming and movement activities
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A sensory square experience focused on look, touch, listen, and movement
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Creative reflection through drawing their favorite moment from the book Out of My Mind
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Shirt decorating to commemorate their visit
At midday, the students gathered for lunch, sharing pizza, snacks, and conversation with staff and peers.
After lunch, the group participated in a fun “This or That” activity, discovering that while everyone has different preferences, we can still come together and connect. They also enjoyed a lively decipher-the-emoji challenge.
To cap off the day, Lil’ Phil, Delarc’s mascot, made a special appearance. Lil’ Phil visits when someone is going above and beyond, and these students did just that by spending their day learning about inclusion, empathy, and the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The students wrapped up their visit with high-fives from Lil’ Phil before boarding the bus back to school.
Why Experiences Like This Matter
Opportunities like this go far beyond a field trip. When students immerse themselves in environments like Delarc, they:
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Build empathy and understanding for people with different abilities
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Learn that inclusion strengthens communities
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Gain confidence interacting with diverse groups of people
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Begin to see human services as a meaningful and rewarding career path
At a young age, experiences like these help shape more compassionate leaders, classmates, and community members.
Interested in Spending the Day With Us?
We encourage all schools and individuals interested in visiting to reach out. This type of classroom experience is ideal for, though not limited to, 5th and 6th graders. We also offer opportunities for older students and for those interested in exploring the Human Services field.
Please contact our Community Relations Department for more information or to arrange a visit at delarc@delarc.org.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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