Description: A Touch of Understanding's mission is to encourage acceptance and respect for all individuals. ATOU's educational programs are designed to increase understanding of differences, thereby minimizing discrimination, bullying, and social isolation suffered by children and adults who are perceived as different for any reason, but especially those with disabilities.ATOU's in-school workshop provides a potent, life-changing opportunity for students to meet people with disabilities and to experience for themselves what it may be like to have a disability. The workshop is broken up into two parts. Part 1: Speakers with disabilities talk about their life, their challenges, and how they achieve their goals. During the hour and a half session, students are encouraged to interact with these volunteers and ask questions. Part 2: Students visit activity stations where they: use a wheelchair and white cane, learn to write their names in Braille, perform a task using a mirror to simulate a learning disability, experience the sensation of having autism, and handle braces and artificial limbs.After the workshop, students are given enrichment materials: an activity book, a bookmark, a Braille alphabet card, an autism card and a button to wear.VolunteerATOU provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to serve the community as volunteers as well as interns. High school and College students may earn community service hours by volunteering with ATOU.
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