# data[].attributes.body
Classroom activities exploring the importance of disabled people in our community. Students will recognise the need for accessibility and inclusion in our community and will discuss common myths and misconceptions about disability.

Plenty of worksheets too for classroom work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This selection of curriculum-aligned lesson ideas and activity sheets are designed to start important conversations about disability and help students understand the contribution people with disability make to the community.

Broad learning outcomes

Students will recognise that people with disability are important members of our diverse community.

Students will celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability.

Students will recognise common myths and misconceptions about disability.

Students will understand the importance of removing barriers for people with disability and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to participate.

Activities for students

English

English activity sheets

English activity sheet solutions

History

Research the history of the disability rights movement and how disability has been portrayed. How has this changed over the last century? Who are some people that have raised awareness and made progress in these areas?

Research the lives of people with disability over the last century and how they might have changed. Discuss inventions or technologies that have been developed to improve accessibility for people with disability.

Explore the lives of some historical figures with disability by completing the Match me (PDF 231.2 kB) activity sheet. Discuss how disability might have affected the occupation of each person.

History activity sheets

History activity sheet solutions

Maths

Find some statistics about people with disability and present the information in graph format. You will find some interesting statistics on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

Create a scale map of your school and label all the areas which do or do not cater for people with disability. Design a new map of your school with suggested improvements.

Science/Technology

Research the barriers people with disability may encounter. For example, find out about gradients and materials that block sound and light.

Discuss the five senses. For what purposes do we use each one? How do you think we would adapt if we were relying on one or two senses? Complete the Listen and sniff (PDF 366.2 kB) activity sheet.

Use your five senses to complete the Senses scavenger hunt (PDF 217 kB) activity sheet.

Science/Technology activity sheets

Science/Technology activity sheet solutions

The Arts

Create large posters inviting people to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. Place them around the school for parents and visitors to see.

Research famous artists with disability and try using their methods or painting in their styles.

Brainstorm and research ways in which people who are deaf enjoy music. Consider vibrations and movement.

Health and Physical Education

Work in small groups to modify your favourite sport or activity so it is accessible for people with disability. For example, modify dodge ball so everyone is sitting down instead of standing.

Research one sport from the Paralympic Games. Share your learnings with the rest of the class.

Discuss the question 'What does it mean to have disability?'. Record the responses and discuss any stereotypes or generalisations that come up. This should be an open and honest discussion without judgement.

Additional Resources

Our resources page has a range of printable products and activities for kids, including a colour in poster, chatterbox activity and decorative paperchain.

You can also check out online resources, such as TED Talks or YouTube, to find some great videos, short films, articles and podcasts about disability and the experiences of people with disability. Use these resources to start a conversation about disability in the classroom to challenge perceptions, normalise disability and grow inclusion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This selection of curriculum-aligned lesson ideas and activity sheets are designed to start important conversations about disability and help students understand the contribution people with disability make to the community. Students will recognise that people with disability are important members of our diverse community. Students will celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability.

# data[].attributes.body
I have a selection of books in The Hub that you are welcome to borrow and read to your classes.

I Am You Are by Ashley Harris Whaley is an information book on all things disability for kids. Ashley is an Occupational Therapist who has Cerebral Palsy so offers so great insights into disability, empowerment and allyship - this book is super!

Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross. Great book for younger classes.

What Happened to You by James Catchpoles (my personal fave). Although aimed at the younger classes I think all classes could get something from this book. Lots of room for discussion with this one. Also this one has a nicer little letter to adults at the back that gives some pointers on how to apporach the discussion if unsure.

# data[].attributes.body
Split class into groups. Each group receives a scenario (e.g., 'design a playground that everyone can use' or 'create a classroom setup for a student who uses a wheelchair'). Students draw and present their designs, explaining their inclusive features. This helps students understand the importance of universal design and accessibility.

# data[].attributes.body
Teach students basic sign language greetings and common phrases. Discuss how sign language helps people communicate and express themselves. (Room 1 and 5 are paving the way with this!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Irish Sign Language (ISL) Learn 20 Basic Signs

# data[].attributes.body
Research project where students learn about famous people who have/had disabilities (e.g., Stephen Hawking, Helen Keller, Temple Grandin). Create posters highlighting their achievements and how they challenged inaccessibility in their environment. Present to class to show that disability doesn't limit potential.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 Inspiring People Who Changed the World in Spite of Their Disabilities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These 12 people prove that disabilities don’t have to limit you. Check out how they overcame their disabilities to change the world.

# data[].attributes.body
Students create posters, videos, or presentations about inclusion and kindness. Focus on respectful language, ways to help, and celebrating differences. Display around school to spread awareness.