Guest Speakers Provide Insight into Disability Awareness

On October 7, middle and upper school students held assemblies featuring guest speakers highlighting issues related to Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Samantha Westrich from North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (above) spoke with students about the wide variety of assistive technologies that allow people with disabilities to accomplish tasks that many of us take for granted. 

Students also heard from speakers from A Special Blend Coffee Shop, which provides employment and skills training for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. A Special Blend founder Deedee Ungetheim noted that unemployment rates are typically very high for people with disabilities. Students also heard from Emily, an employee at A Special Blend (below), who spoke about the preconceptions she faces due to her disability as well as the meaning and satisfaction she derives from her work.

Younger students will also have opportunities during October to expand their understanding of people with disabilities. Third- and fourth-grade students will hear from older students who live with disabilities, and younger Bengals will have read-aloud books on this topic.