Module 2: WHO CARES?

Page 8

topic three: personal attitudes (continued)

to the teacher

This topic gives the opportunity to increase the sensitivity of the pupils to those who have particular difficulties or are different in some obvious way. As a result they might understand themselves and others better. It is important to remember that whatever the perceived problems there is still the need in everyone to be accepted for him/herself.

People with disabilities have particular needs which are often misunderstood. The following are definitions given by the World Health Organisation.

disability
Any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

handicap
A function of the relationship between disabled persons and their environment. Handicap is the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the life of the community on an equal level with others.

Thus for some people their disability may be that they cannot walk but their main handicap could be other peoples' prejudice, that provision is not made for their wheel-chairs, or even their own view of themselves.

topic development

Outward appearances can be deceptive. It might be helpful to talk about this to see if members of the class have experienced being pre-judged by others resulting in them not being able to be fully themselves.