In my graphic narrative, a Penn State squirrel decides to leave his favorite tree and visit a park. While at the park, he finds a child with down syndrome standing alone and looking sad. The squirrel asks the boy why he is sad, and why he is not enjoying the lovely day at the park. The boy explains that he never gets included at the park because he is different from the other kids. The squirrel tells him that difference is NOT a bad thing. The squirrel asks some of the other children if it would be hard to be an "upstander" and include the boy. He also reminds them of a quote by Alison Lapper where she said "I've never met a normal person in my life," and that it's OK to be different. From then on, the kids included everyone they met--those with and without disabilities.
This brings up the issue of inclusion in our daily life. Although the government passed the American's with Disabilities Act, which helps those with disabilities in the job sphere and with transportation, this act doesn't really help with discrimination in social situations. As we learned at the beginning of the unit with the Cuban art exhibit, difference and diversity can come in a variety of ways and it is our job to help put an end to the stigma surrounding difference. After all, difference is a good thing and something we should all appreciate, not shun.
Photo's courtesy of:
en.wikipedia.org
www.coastalsoftwash.com
globaldownsydrome.org
gettyimages,com
dtraussece.com
anera.org
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