The importance of raising awareness of disabilities at school

My late daughter, Cammy, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome at just 20 months old in 2011. From that moment on, advocacy became part of our everyday life. Cammy’s journey taught our family not only about the challenges that people with disabilities face, but also about the importance of compassion, accessibility, and giving every person a voice. Since her diagnosis, I have worked to champion her story and help raise awareness for people with all types of disabilities.

Today, as an adapted physical education teacher, I have the opportunity to continue that advocacy within the school community. While March is specifically recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the schools I serve are taking this opportunity to educate students about the many different forms of disability. They’ve organized a variety of activities designed to foster understanding, empathy, and inclusion.

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Teaching students about disabilities

One school recently welcomed representatives from the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. Students rotated through interactive stations that introduced them to different aspects of disability awareness. This included learning about autism and experiencing what it’s like to navigate the world in a wheelchair. These hands-on opportunities helped students better understand the daily experiences of people with disabilities.

Another school is celebrating the month with themed spirit days. On one day, students are encouraged to wear mismatched socks to celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of people with Down syndrome. On Superhero Day, students and staff are invited to wear red or dress as their favorite superhero to raise awareness about physical disabilities and limb differences. Later in the week, everyone will wear tie-dye or bright, multicolored clothing to promote acceptance and understanding of autism.

In the gym, we are highlighting successful people with disabilities. Students will see photos and short biographies of well-known athletes and public figures, including pitcher Jim Abbott, who played professional baseball with one hand; soccer goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has Tourette syndrome; and Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles, who has spoken openly about her attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Other influential figures include world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, who is blind; actor Keira Knightley, who has dyslexia; the late actor Christopher Reeve, whose spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the neck down; and actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate Michael J. Fox. Each of their stories demonstrates resilience and achievement, helping students see ability rather than limitation.

A key lesson we discuss with students is the concept of invisible disabilities. Some disabilities cannot be recognized simply by looking at a person. Conditions such as dyslexia, autism, and many learning disabilities may not be immediately visible, yet they can significantly affect how someone experiences school and everyday life. Understanding this helps students learn empathy and patience with their peers.

Another important topic we address is traumatic brain injury. In the gym, we talk about why wearing helmets while riding bikes or participating in certain sports is so important. As part of a hands-on activity, students practice properly placing helmets on stuffed bears and carefully holding them while riding scooters around the gym. The exercise reinforces both safety awareness and responsibility.

One of the most important lessons is that disability can affect anyone. At any point in life, a person could experience an accident or medical condition that leads to long-term challenges. These might include spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that affect cognitive functioning, limb amputation, or vision and hearing loss.

By teaching students about disabilities early in life, we help build a generation that values inclusion, understanding, and respect. For me, this work is more than a lesson plan — it’s a continuation of the advocacy that began with Cammy. Through education and awareness, we can create communities where every individual is seen, supported, and celebrated.

Note: Rett Syndrome News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Rett Syndrome News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Rett syndrome.