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Synopsis from back of book:
"A little girl uses rhyming verse to describe the unique traits of her autistic friend. Benny likes trains and cupcakes without sprinkles, but he can also be fussy sometimes. The narrator doesn’t mind, however, because “true friends accept each other just the way they are.” A gentle story encouraging children to appreciate and accept our differences."

We chose this book because it can provide a bridge for explaining how differences exist between ourselves and those around us. This topic can help younger students without disabilities better understand those with disabilities.

Benny Doesn’t Like To Be Hugged Read By Yusuf. (2020). YouTube. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://youtu.be/QuVbq2Rx3AE.

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Benny Doesn’t Like To Be Hugged Read By Yusuf

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Summary:
*A six year old boy named Harper who has cerebal palsy, lung diseas, and multiple other disabilities.
*Harper's mom describes what it is like to have a child with disabilites and special needs.
*Describes his story, struggles, and strengths.

Questions:
1. How does Harpers parent feel about him having a disability?

2. What are Harpers strengths and weaknesses?

3. Do you think Harper is just as able to meet the same goals as you?

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Summary:
*People with physical disabilities
*Mannequins that look like them
*Placed in a clothing store windwo display

Questions:
1. What do you notice about the mannequins they are making?

2. How does the reactions of the people who had mannequins made of their body, make you feel?

3. Why do you think that the strangers on the street had the reaction that they did?

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“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up.” ― Stephen Hawking

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“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up.” ― Stephen Hawking

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What is the message of this quote?

How does this make you feel?

Who does Stephen Hawking not want to give up? Why?

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Why it Matters: Diversity & Disability Inclusion in Arts

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Why it Matters: Diversity & Disability Inclusion in Arts

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This article would be super helpful for teachers who are trying to make their classroom more diverse and welcoming differences. The article explains that art classrooms can be a bit of a barrier for students with disabilities, but through art those barriers begin to turn into benefits. There is also stress put on the need for outreach and open disucssion to better include students with differences.

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How to create a more inclusive art community .

The arts belong to everyone - including people with disabilities. So, whether you're an accessibility practitioner, theater or art student, or just part of a school or community theater looking to be more inclusive of those with disabilities, this blog will introduce you to the topic of disability inclusion in the arts and link out to useful KIT resources that can be helpful for anyone working to expand access to the arts for those with disabilities.

The quick answer - yes! But, not as much as we'd like to think.

A recent report by the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California indicates that less than 3% of characters in the 100 highest-earning movies of 2016 had disabilities. A 2018 report from the Ruderman Foundation showed that disability representation on television is equally underwhelming - of all of the TV characters that year with disabilities, only 12% were played by actors with disabilities.

are writing new plays based on their own life experiences. are taking the helm of companies who want their work to be creative responses to modern life. Actors with disabilities are constantly demonstrating that they have the talent, skill, and ability to engage with non-disabled performers on stage and onscreen. Directors with disabilities Designers with disabilities Writers with disabilities are producing sets that not only contribute to the storytelling but also enhance the audience experience.
But while actors with disabilities and disability inclusion in the arts are making great strides, we have to admit that there is still a long way to go. In fact, according to another recent report by the Ruderman Family Foundation, 95% of the time, actors without disabilities portray the roles of disabled actors when, in reality, many disabled actors can fill that role just as well - or even better!
Even if there is still a lot to work on, we can certainly see that big changes for art and disabilities are on the horizon. In a KIT posted in August of 2019, for instance, it was our pleasure to shine a well-deserved spotlight on The National Disability Theatre (NDT), whose is to raise the bar of inclusion in professional theaters. And when NDT founders Talleri McRae and Mickey Rowe came to our KIT Summer Intensive to tell us about their vision, we were all blown away! The changes they seek are long overdue and clearly life-transforming.

Then, we have Hollywood and big industry names like , have respectively made waves in the movement towards inclusion in the arts. Paramount Pictures that fully support inclusion in the arts. NBCUniversal vowed to hold more auditions for actors with disabilities, and two prolific actresses, Taraji P. Henson & Octavia Spencer Taraji was recently awarded the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion, while Octavia has called for a more authentic on-screen representation of people with disabilities in various recent interviews.

Theater and the arts are vibrant social spaces where people gather to explore their humanity. Acting, visual arts, playwriting, singing, and dance help us expand our perspective and see the world in a new way. People - artists and audiences alike - gather inside these theaters to share an experience and (hopefully) leave with a better understanding of themselves and each other. So there is no justifiable reason why those with disabilities should be excluded from basking in the glow of a beautiful theater production, art exhibit, or from participating in plays, performances, or films.
Here are a few practical suggestions:
How to create a disability-inclusive art space

Art is truly for everyone, but many people with disabilities face serious barriers if they want to participate in art and culture. So aside from physical improvements such as wheelchair access and wider seats/doors, how can you ensure that people with disabilities are included in your productions (and audiences with disabilities can enjoy your productions, too)?

Get the right inclusion training. The concept of diversity and inclusion is easy enough to understand, however, its application in the real world and in theater arts is fairly specific. This is where KIT can help you. From Online Training,including KIT Academy, our online professional development platform, to Training & Support Packages, our Inclusion Resources give you and your staff relevant, practical, and life-transforming inclusion training. Get in touch with KIT or drop by our page for more information!

Whether you're running a community theater or looking for a way to expand your school's performing arts programs, getting connected with arts organizations that champion inclusion can boost your current and future programs.

Artists, art centers, universities, and organizations can also look to connect with the National Arts and Disability Center (NADC). From funding opportunities to consultation, the NADC's mission is to promote the inclusion of audiences and artists with disabilities into all facets of the arts community.

Finally, get suggestions & feedback from those who really matter - those with disabilities! Sometimes, we make inclusion harder than it should be. Do you have people on staff who are disabled? Do you have patrons with disabilities? Have you seen people in your audience with disabilities? Taking a few minutes of your time to talk to them and ask them how you can make your space more inclusive is a terrific first step.

Finally, what are the benefits that kids with disabilities receive from art-focused activities?

Art -focused activities can do wonders for kids with disabilities. When a child with a disability participates in the arts, it not only benefits them in terms of mental and physical health but also encourages interaction with others.

Additional benefits include:

Enhancing communication and expression

Promoting self-esteem and motivation to succeed.

Developing a positive attitude, confidence, and building a strong sense of self

The great news is, the art community has finally started to catch on that intentionally including people with disabilities in the arts can be truly life-changing for involved.

Before we wrap up this article, here's a quick list of some recent films, documentaries, and Netflix shows featuring actors and actresses with disabilities that you might want to check out:

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution on Netflix is a 2020 documentary film that tackles the issues surrounding disability and depicts people with disabilities as able to live independently. It is written and co-produced by Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht. Barack and Michelle Obama serve as executive producers under their Higher Ground Productions banner.

Speechless, a family sitcom that aired on ABC from 2016 - 2019. The show follows the DiMeo family, including teenager JJ, who has cerebral palsy played by American actor Micah Fowler who was born with cerebral palsy, as well.

A is for Autism, a multi-awarded animated film that provides a brief glimpse into the world of autism with words, drawings, music, and animation all contributed by autistic people. As an animator, the film's director Tim Webb recognized that some autistic children's drawings share qualities that would make their drawings great for animation.

Blindsight, also a multi-awarded documentary film released in 2006. It is set in the middle of the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. The film tells the remarkable story of six blind Tibetan teenagers trying to climb Lhakpa Ri on the north side of Mount Everest

If you're thinking of creating or improving upon art programs in your organization, now is the best time to get started!

Conclusion

Diversity and disability inclusion has incredible benefits for everyone involved in the theater and arts world. An accessible experience in any kind of art form can ignite imagination and empathy and turn a passive viewer into an active participant.
Ready for life-transforming inclusion? We look forward to discussing options that best suit your organization's needs. Contact KIT today!
In addition - even today, audiences with disabilities are simply underserved, with many theaters or production companies who overlook disabled audience members because they're simply not familiar with access solutions or unsure how to reach out to their disabled customers.

But when arts organizations and communities are trained properly in inclusion, they can open their doors just a little wider and create a positive impact in many lives.

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Why It Matters: Diversity & Disability Inclusion In Arts - Kids Included Together

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The arts belong to everyone - including people with disabilities. So, whether you're an accessibility practitioner, theater or art student, or just part of a school or community theater looking to be more inclusive of those with disabilities, this blog will introduce you to the topic of disability inclusion in the arts and link out to useful KIT resources that can be helpful for anyone working to expand access to the arts for those with disabilities.

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What does this mean?

Will everyone adapt the same way?

Is there a better or worse way to adapt to change?

Can you recall a time you have had to adapt to change?

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What does this quote from Stevie Wonder mean to you?

What does ability mean?

What abilities do you have?

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“I don’t have a dis-ability, I have a different-ability.” — Robert M. Hensel

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“I don’t have a dis-ability, I have a different-ability.” — Robert M. Hensel

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What is ability?

What are some abilities you have?

Does everyone have the same abilities?

Is it okay for everyone to have different abilities?

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This website has a plethora of different lesson plans from kindergarten to 5th grade. The lessons talk about being kind to each other, strengths and weaknesses, encouraging one another and more. Each link on the website includes the lesson plan, slideshow, and print out worksheets to go with the lesson. They also provide a materials list, how long the lessons will each take, and videos if applicable.

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Looking for resources to help create submissions? Here are some helpful hints and tips from visual arts educators:

Multi Grade Levels

Quote Creation (1 Class Period)
Life Skills Component: Social Awareness Lesson Plan | | PowerPoint | Student Worksheet | Narrated Virtual Lesson (10 min)
Objective - Create an original quote submission for the Embracing Our Differences annual exhibit..

Tumbleweed (1 Class Period)
Life Skills Component: Social Skills
Objective - Use a visual representation of kindness (Tumbleweed) to practice sharing kindnesses amongst classmates.

Reading Art (45-55 min.) Life Skills Component: Social Skills
Objective - Use evidence-based, critical thinking strategies to explore different works of art. Lesson Plan (English) (PP w/Notes) | Lesson Plan (English/Spanish) (PP w/Notes) | | Narrated Virtual Lesson (10-15 min)

Elementary (Grades K-5)

Create Your Future (35-45 min.)
Standards: ELA.K-5.3.V.1.1, ELA.K-5.V.1.3
Life Skills Component: Self-Awareness
Essential Question - How can we make our dreams become our reality?

Diversity Makes Us Smile (40-50 min.)
Standards: ELA.K-5.3.V.1.1, ELA.K-5.V.1.3, ELA.K-5.C.1.2
Life Skills Component: Social Awareness
Essential Question - How can we celebrate how we are alike and different?

Help Others Bloom (35-45 min.)
Standards: ELA.K-5.3.V.1.1, ELA.K-5.V.1.3
Life Skills Component: Building Relationships
Essential Question - How can we make others feel included and happy?
Lesson Plan | PowerPoint

Middle (Grades 6-8)

Diversity Redesigned (45-60 min.)
Standards: VA.68.S.1.1,ELA.6.V.1.1, ELA.7.V.1.1, ELA.8.C.5.1 Life Skills Component: Social-Awareness
Essential Question - What is Diversity? Why are diversity and unity important in a community of individuals?

Fearless Integrity (45-60 min.)
Standards: VA.68.H.3.2, ELA.6.C.1.3, ELA.7.C.1.3, ELA.8.C.1.3Life Skills Component: Responsible Decision Making
Essential Question - What is Integrity? Why is responsible decision making important in the development of integrity?

Inclusion and Gratitude (45-60 min.)
Standards: VA.68.S.1, ELA.6.R.1.4, ELA.7.R.1.4, ELA.8.R.1.4Life Skills Component: Self-Management
Essential Question - What is inclusion and how are gratefulness and perseverance essential to self-management?

Coined by Joseph Campbell in 1949, the Hero's Journey explains the monomyth of the Hero's Journey archetype. This lesson incorporates the three stages and subsequent steps of the Hero's Journey. LAFS RL.1.2, LAFS RL.2.5, LAFS W.1.3, LAFS W.2.4, LAFS SL 1.1, LAFS SL 1.2, LAFS L 1.1, LAFS L 1.2

This Greek Mythology lesson uses the story of Arachne to bring together the lessons learned from ancient myths with artwork from today. The lesson can also be implemented with any Greek Myth. Greek Mythology (1 Class Period) Textbook Connection: Springboard & Collections 7th Grade

Standards: LAFS RL.1.2, LAFS RL.2.5, LAFS W.1.3, LAFS W.2.4, LAFS SL 1.1, LAFS SL 1.2, LAFS L 1.1, LAFS L 1.2

Personal narratives help writers to tell stories about who they are in the same way that an artist incorporates their past into their work. This lesson allows students to gain a better understanding of the concept of personal narratives by reflecting on artwork that represents themes of individuality and uniqueness. Personal Narratives (1-2 Class Periods)

This lesson focuses on the affect that technology is having on our youth today and allows the students to reflect on the positives and negatives of this new tech savvy world. Each piece of artwork brings forth an issue relating to technology in a visual manner that will allow them to better connect to the themes presented. Teens and Technology (1 Class Period)

The American War Heroes lesson can be used in tangent with the Hero's Journey or as a connection to War related stories, both fiction and non. This lesson provides images that bring forth ideas of freedom and what it costs and allows students to discuss how our differences have the power to bring us together. American War Heroes (1 Class Period)

This lesson includes references to The Diary of Anne Frank and her documented struggle for survival. It includes topics and themes such as acceptance of religious differences and how to understand and learn from our pasts. Anne Frank (1 Class Period)
Textbook Connection: Springboard & Collections 8th Grade
Standards: LAFS RL.1.2, LAFS RL.2.5, LAFS W.1.3, LAFS W.2.4, LAFS SL 1.1, LAFS SL 1.2, LAFS L 1.1, LAFS L 1.2

High (Grades 9-12)

Identity - expression through experience (2-3 Class Periods)
Life Skills Component: Social-Awareness
Essential Question - How can social awareness help us understand how individuals experience the world?

Essential Question - How do the struggles individuals face encourage them to look inward?"Know thyself" - a path to self-acceptance (2-3 Class Periods)
Life Skills Component: Self-Awareness

Know your worth (1-2 Class Periods)
Texts Utilized - FISH CHEECKS (Amy Tan - 1987)
Standard: LAFS.910.RL.1.3Life Skills Component: Self-Awareness
Essential Question - Is there a common definition of beauty? Who decides what is beautiful?

Coined by Joseph Campbell in 1949, the Hero's Journey explains the monomyth of the Hero's Journey archetype. This lesson incorporates the three stages and subsequent steps of the Hero's Journey. LAFS RL.1.2, LAFS RL.2.5, LAFS W.1.3, LAFS W.2.4, LAFS SL 1.1, LAFS SL 1.2, LAFS L 1.1, LAFS L 1.2

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Looking for resources to help create submissions? Here are some helpful hints and tips from visual arts educators: Quote Creation (1 Class Period) Life Skills Component: Social Awareness Lesson Plan | | PowerPoint | Student Worksheet | Narrated Virtual Lesson (10 min) Objective - Create an original quote submission for the Embracing Our Differences annual exhibit..

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This lesson is all about students identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and embracing them. They will play person bingo, where they find peers with a listed strength. This will start the conversation on how we all have different strengths and weaknesses. Students will also discover how to "play to their weaknesses", an example given is that a student is a poor speller. Due to this, they proofread all of their writing pieces multiple times to catch their mistakes, where they might not do this is if they were a better speller to begin with. Overall, this lesson encourages our students to embrace their weaknesses instead of avoiding or being embarrassed about them.

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Level: K-5th Grade
Main Objective: Celebrating how we are alike and different.
Summary: Students are learning to deeper their understanding of culture, and learning about their peers. Students will go through activities such as unpacking quotes, analyzing a painting, interviewing their peers, and drawing a picture of the food that would be on your plate. After this lesson, students should be able to identify that their background and culture is something they should be embracing and that their strengths and differences are something to be proud of!

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This is a song that can be used in a kindergarten classroom about how no matter how different we are from one another, we are all equally amazing! The differences include physical differences, backgrounds, ability level and more.

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We're all amazing! by London Rhymes | Diversity and Equality | Songs for Babies and children

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Here is another song about how everyone is different, and that is great! This video shows an array of different characters who all look different from one another, and highlight their features. This is a great way for students to see their qualities being acknowledged and represented.

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Everybody is different | Songs for kids | Pipalupa

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Part 2: Powerpoint to Lesson Plan Above

-Quote Unpacking
-Background Knowledge/Discussion about Smiling
-Vocabulary: Diversity and Culture
-Analyzing Smiles Painting (Look, Think,Talk)
-Smile Game: try to make your partner smile!
-Smile Interview: Questions with your partner
-Cultural Buffet: Analyze the painting (Look, Think, Talk)
-Food for Thought: Draw your plate

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Celebrating Differences and Similarities: Exploring Identity Mini-Unit 

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Celebrating Differences and Similarities: Exploring Identity Mini-Unit 

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This is an entire Kindergarten mini-unit on celebrating differences. It highlights 5 lessons that encourage students to identify their own identities, share them with others, learn about their peers identities, and understand that we are all different, but that's okay. It also can help students see how they are similar to some of the peers and different to other, all of which is acceptable.

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This article has three helpful uses. First it discusses why young students should be taught about differences. Second, it highlights a few activities that can be done with young students to engage them in learning about their own differences. Lastly, a list of children's literature that helps lead a discussion on differences and acceptance.

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It also helps them realize that we're all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate. Games and activities offer a fun way for young children to learn about differences and similarities among people and to introduce the concept of diversity. All types of differences such as race, religion, language, traditions, and gender can be introduced this way.

When do children notice differences between people? At about age 2 years, children begin to notice gender and racial differences. At 2 ½ or so, children learn gender labels (boy/girl) and the name of colors - which they begin to apply to skin color. Around 3 years of age, children notice physical disabilities. At about 4-5 years, they start to display gender appropriate behavior and become fearful of differences.

Activities that can help children learn about and appreciate differences:

Hair, hair everywhere helps children learn about different hair types related to ethnic groups.
What you need:
photographs of different hairstyles, types, and hair care products
What you do:
Ask children to identify the different types of hair by talking about hair texture and curl. For example, some people have fine, thin hair while others have thick, coarse hair. Some people have straight hair and some people have curly hair. Talk about how people have different hair colors, lengths, and styles. Discuss how to care for different types of hair and which types of hair care products children use. Take photos of each child's hair and make a collage of different hairstyles.

Reading Spot Light

The Sneeches by Dr. Seuss

In this story the star-belly and plain-belly Sneeches learn that neither type is superior and that they are able to get along and become friends.

The Color of Us by Karen Katz

This story explores how everyone in the neighborhood is a different shade of brown - from peanut butter to chocolate - and does a great job of subtly explaining that people are all different shades of the same color.

Why Am I Different by Norma Simon

This book outlines the variety of ways people can be different from each other including hair color, size, language, and family.

It's OK to be Different by Todd Parr

The author explores sensitive issues such as adoption and unusual things such as eating macaroni in the bathtub, but manages to explore diversity in all forms.
Resources and References:
Public Broadcasting Sysyem. "Diversity in the Classroom." Precious Children. www.pbs.org/kcts/preciouschildren/diversity/

Biles, Barbara. "Activities that promote racial and cultural awareness." In "Family Child Care Connections" edited by C. M. Todd 4(3): 4. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, 1994. Retrieved September 2012. http://www.pbs.org/kcts/preciouschildren/diversity/read_activities.html
Activities 15-6

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We are different, we are the same: Teaching young children about diversity (Better Kid Care)

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It also helps them realize that we're all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate. Games and activities offer a fun way for young children to learn about differences and similarities among people and to introduce the concept of diversity.

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Judith Heumann: Our fight for disability rights -- and why we're not done yet

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Judith Heumann: Our fight for disability rights -- and why we're not done yet

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In this TED talk, Judith Heumann shares her story of being denied from becoming a teacher due to her physical disability. Since then, she has started a movement for more accessibility rights. This is a great resource for teachers to build their background on discrimination against the disabled community before teaching about it.

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Judith Heumann: Our fight for disability rights -- and why we're not done yet

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Four decades ago, Judith Heumann helped to lead a groundbreaking protest called the Section 504 sit-in -- in which disabled-rights activists occupied a federal building for almost a month, demanding greater accessibility for all. In this personal, inspiring talk, Heumann tells the stories behind the protest -- and reminds us that, 40 years on, there's still work left to do.

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In this activity, students will use different colored paper strips to make a strength chain. They will identify what strengths they have in each of the 7 categories listed, and glue/ tape the strips together. The students will attach all of their chains together into one long chain, and discuss how they are more powerful when they all work together.

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Blog on Creating Inclusive K-2 Classrooms

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Blog on Creating Inclusive K-2 Classrooms

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This is a blog written by Breyen Wee about how to create an inclusive classroom environment in early childhood and K-2 classrooms. There are tons of resources and testimonials on teaching diversity with the younger kiddos. She has experience of her own, and includes a number of resources for educators.

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Helping teachers create inclusive K-2 classrooms through easy to use resources and lesson plans that represent each student, without taking extra time to do it.

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Accepting different abilities, strengths, weaknesses, similarities, and differences. 

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Accepting different abilities, strengths, weaknesses, similarities, and differences. 

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To teach children about abilities and how everyone is special in their own ways!

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Our Why:

*Passionate about advoacting for those with disabilities
*All students no matter thier differences, are able to succeed + have the same oppurtunities.
* 3x Elem. + SPED Majors

Social Justice Relevance:
* Connection between privilege, resource and oppurtunity.
*Strengths & Weakness Taught = Less Discrimination.

Importance:
*It is okay to be different, not everyone has to be the same.
*Differences are what makes us unique + special.
*Assumption of "Wrong" or "Weird".

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- The author does not have autism nor is the author an expert.
- Witnessed advocating and struggles through friends who have sons that are autistic.
- Not a lot of books that represent nuerodiversity.
- "All children deserve a book that mirrors their reality"
- Being able to celebrate and recognize differences.