C.A.R.E.-Communication And Respect for Everyone
the problem:
First, my brother went to a public school and was unable to communicate with his peers and/or teachers because his only means of communication is sign-language. At most, five individuals within the school system know sign-language. I have tried several times by presenting speeches throughout our school system, to get sign-language taught at our school. Also, I feel educational courses about disabilities and autism should be offered throughout the school. It important that we respect one another despite our differences, but before we can do that, we must be able to understand. I have also given speeches throughout the state of Virginia promoting my platform of handicapped awareness. With these attempts, I hope to increase participation in organization like Special Olympics and Autism Speaks. Finally, I would like to either have the current community park made handicapped accessible or have one built so that every child has the equal opportunity to enjoy the playground, whether they are disabled or not.
vital stats:
people impacted:
15people involved:
2why it's important:
My brother has cerebral palsy and autism. Due to this disability, he cannot speak and has difficulty walking. Throughout my life as a sibling and older sister to a disabled brother, I have encountered areas in which our communities, schools, and environments are lacking. It is through the pain, mistreatment, and frustration seen through the eyes of my brother that I have been presented with these issues. It has also allowed me to see the difficulties that disabled individuals across the nation are presented with and the obstacles they must overcome on a daily basis. America stands for the land of equality, therefore, I feel we should live up to that name and break the barriers of communication and understanding that are currently keeping America working together as a whole. C.A.R.E. is my platform, it is a program of spreading awareness, incorporating involvement, and sharing ideas that will help improve the community step by step. IT is also an active way to help raise money to go to the mentioned causes.
the plan of action:
I would like to bring these issues to our city council representative in hope that he will have a greater voice in making changes. The first step is the playground. Our Special Olympics regional director was recently contacted by Extreme Home Makeover to see if anyone in the area was in need of their assistance. I plan to contact their offices so that they might assist in the developement/construction of a handicapped park. Also, I will contact the governor and take necessary steps to contacting the national council on disability and ask for their assistance in the process of sign-language classes and educational courses. Then, I will, for the third time, present statistics and fact about my plan and my hopes for the future to my school board and superintendent in hopes for their cooperation/assistance. Previously, the school asked a local professor of sign-language to come and give courses to teachers who wanted to learn. Hopefully, this will progress and move forward. Also, as Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen, I have given speeches and shared my platform ideas with individuals throughout the U.S. With continued support and persistence, I hope to get my program on the way, raise funds for my causes, and helps others live without such obstacles.
how you can get involved:
Individuals within the government system, education system, or specialized in areas of contruction, disability legislature, or disability rights that is willing to serve as a greater voice or advocate for this cause can truly help. Individuals will to help promote this cause and the programs works can also help in the launching and success of these goals.
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Comments
Beautiful work you are doing, Miss Garrett. I admire the patience you must have with an autistic brother. At my school, I work with an autistic freshman who has trouble communicating, and I know how difficult it can be when it comes to unprepared and untrained staff and faculty. I am truly inspired by what you are doing, as I am trying to get American Sign Language taught at Appomattox County High School. I would love to learn it, and for some it is the only form of communication. All that Appomattox teaches is Spanish and French, though nothing that most will be able to use. We have so many people in this country that cannot speak save for Sign Language. A foreigner can learn English; a disabled person can't. I hope you accomplish your goal of a handicap-accessible park.
~Miss Vein
Thanks so much Miss Vein!It is so good to hear other people that hear my voice and can relate to these obstacles. I created a speech about this project/idea for a forensics competition and got third in the state. This award allowed me to present it to our school board and it definitely opened peoples' eyes. I would love to come and speech to the student body or school board or even staff at Appomattox. I go to Prince Edward and we attend church ni Appomattox so youre just around the corner. Let me know if you have any methods/ways to go about addressing the school. I love sharing this with people any chance I can. Thanks so much for your support!
~Courtney