Cassidy Elementary will be wrapping up their first "Special Needs Awareness Week" with an assembly at 2 p.m. April 19 in the school's gym.
The assembly will present a former Cassidy and Morton student, now a senior at Transylvania University who has succeeded with a physical disability; a successful entrepreneur and parent who has overcome a hidden disability; and a surprise UK Athletics start who has overcome a hidden disability - all delivering positive messages to the kids and community.
"Special Needs Awareness Week" is a week-long event during the school day designed to increase awareness of physical and "hidden" disabilities increasingly encountered by students in school and local community. The goal is to facilitate interactive and didactic activities to educate and highlight the special needs, as well as instill a positive and empowered attitude toward inclusion and acceptance for all.
Parents are encouraged to drop in on interactive simulation stations facilitated throughout the school day in the Cassidy gym. These simulation stations are the highlight of the entire week, as they fulfill a "hands-on" component to the theme (Different Abilities, Many Possibilities). Instructional sessions are also offered during class times. They cover the more physical aspects and challenges of life with a disability, some of the sensory issues that typical kids find hard to understand, as well as the communication issues and challenges.