UOD in Your School

School Programs

The Understanding Our Differences flexible, interactive program demystifies a range of physical, sensory and developmental disabilities. Through the UOD program, students learn to see the whole person and better understand the disability.

Students who participate:

Gain knowledge of a range of disabilities
Develop understanding and respect through hands-on, experiential learning
Expand perceptions of how people are different – and the same
Become more comfortable talking and reaching out to people with disabilities
Are less likely to engage in or tolerate bullying

Intolerance, name-calling and bullying are persistent problems in schools, affecting all students — especially those with disabilities or individual differences. But when the UOD program encourages students’ questions about the differences they notice, and provides information and answers, school climate improves for everyone.

Developed by educators, people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, medical professionals and other experts in the field, the Understanding Our Differences program promotes inclusivity and respect. UOD’s approach is based on the belief that children can best understand the importance of inclusion when they learn about, experience and have personal contact with people who have disabilities.

Wish @UstandRDiffs was in every town. U r true champions of #Inclusion.

— Author Rachel Simon

Program topics

The flexible program seamlessly fits into most 2nd to 5th grade curriculum and includes one-and-one-half to two-hour instructional units on these topics:

Learn more

Please contact us if you would like to learn how to bring Understanding Our Differences to your school, classroom or youth program. Also, we invite you to review our FAQs here to learn more about strategies for implementing this program in your community.