Changing attitudes about disabilities so all children are included
The leader in disability awareness education since 1978. Fostering inclusive, respectful schools and communities for people of all abilities.
School Programs on Disabilities and Chronic Medical Conditions
Our award-winning programs use a hands-on, participatory curriculum to foster respect and inclusion for people of all abilities in elementary schools and communities at large.
Inclusion and Respect Matter
The UOD program teaches students to be more respectful and friendly, and to become allies of people with disabilities, promoting an inclusive culture in the schools and communities we serve.
Become a Partner
We invite individuals, schools, communities and businesses to partner with us to support inclusion for disabled people, recognizing that disability is a key aspect of our diverse world.
Why Disability Awareness Education is Important
Disabilities are everywhere
- 1 in 4 Americans have a disability.
- People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the country.
- People with disabilities seek to participate actively in mainstream school, work and community settings.
Yet barriers to inclusion remain.
- Attitudes — behaviors, perceptions and assumptions — limit inclusion and contribute to all other barriers.
- Bullying, name-calling and intolerance disproportionately affect students with disabilities.
- Physical features of buildings and outdoor spaces still limit access, as do communication, policy and social barriers.
Accurate information and open conversation can make the difference between acceptance and discrimination.
Speaker Spotlight
DAVID TICCHI
David Ticchi, long-time speaker for our Blindness and Low Vision unit, is pictured arriving to present to 3rd graders at Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School in Newton. David remarked that he is delighted to be back speaking to kids in person. Welcome back, David!
News from UOD
Sean McIntyre, NPS Graduate, to Run 50 Miles for UOD
Sean McIntyre, a graduate of the Newton Public Schools, plans to run a 50-mile race in November to benefit UOD. He is undertaking this challenging event because he feels strongly about …
Newton South HS Juniors Survey Peers, Raise Funds for UOD
This spring, three juniors at Newton South High School – Angelina, Sophia, and Adrienne – conducted a project in their history class. They assessed the recent debate over cutting the …
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