Redwood students test their abilities
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Redwood Middle School is gearing up for Abilities Awareness, a weeklong education program that allows students to experience what it might be like to be "differently abled."

Every year, representatives from Redwood's ParentTeacherStudent Association and its physical education department put together challenges that individuals with disabilities encounter in everyday life.

"Abilities Awareness is a program of respect," said Shari Ferezy, co-chair of the event. "I think this program is perfect for middle-schoolers as they are very compassionate; they are forming their identities and are interested in learning on different levels. The Abilities Awareness program affords students the opportunity to experience daily living tasks with simulated challenges . . . and students have the opportunity to ask questions that these activities inspire."

Sixth-graders will try to sign a check, navigate a crosswalk and count money while blindfolded. They'll also experience what it's like to be in a wheelchair, and they will paint without the use of their arms.

Seventh-grade students will participate in actual Paralympic events, such as wheelchair basketball, visually impaired partnered runs and long jump, amputee table tennis, seated bowling, volleyball and goal ball.

The eighth-graders will take part in a community outreach project that benefits the Painted Turtle Camp, one of Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang nonprofit agencies for medically fragile children. They'll stuff and sew turtle pillows for each camper and will provide cabin activities and games.

"In their postexperience writing pieces, what we hear the most is they learn that people with disabilities are people," Ferezy said. "They have feelings and thoughts and ideas just like everyone. They deserve the same respect, kindness and patience that everyone does. I hope that students develop an understanding and respect for those who are differently abled, and I hope they come to understand the truth is that we are all differently abled."

An April 11 assembly will feature Samuel Nehemiah, a Paralympic athlete training for the 2008 Beijing Games.

In 2003, the program was honored with the Phoebe Apperson Hearst-National PTA Excellence in Education Partnership Award. In 2004 it was recognized as a Conejo district outstanding program, and in 2005 it received the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation (CLvFFie) Award in the Education/Volunteer category.

Last year, the Abilities Awareness program was recognized by the state of California and presented a workshop at the state physical education conference.