Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a meaningful way in your child’s classroom—even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare? Hoping to get to know more parents at the school? Wanting to encourage children to develop understanding of fellow students and others with disabilities?
Understanding Our Differences invites you to join the team of parent volunteers in your child’s class! The curriculum combines accurate information about disabilities with an emphasis on inclusion and acceptance, teaching children to “see the person and not the disability.” Each of the seven instructional units features informational presentations, interactive learning activities and inspirational guest speakers teaching about:
- Deafness and Hard of Hearing
- Blindness and Low Vision
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Physical Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Chronic Medical Conditions: Allergic Conditions, Asthma, Diabetes, and Epilepsy
As a volunteer, you will receive training, curriculum and support from the staff at Understanding Our Differences. Volunteers say they are inspired by the energy in the classrooms, the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of young children, and the opportunity to make new friends who share some of the same interests, values and concerns.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact your School Coordinator or PTO President. You can also contact the Program Director of Understanding Our Differences, Maren Oslund at (617) 559-6075 or via email at Maren_Oslund@newton.k12.ma.us.