DISABILITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
From classroom presentations and seminars to church dinners and services, we utilize a "hands on" method of educating individuals concerning disabilities. Simulated disabilities activities are real "eye openers" for children and adults alike. After participating in a Disability Awareness Day, one student commented:
"I think everyone should have the opportunity to do this because you look at people with disabilities in a whole new way." COQUINA COMMUNITY CHURCH Disability Awareness Event January 31-February 1, 2009 St. Augustine, FL   An exciting weekend event was held recently with the congregation of Coquina Community Church in St. Augustine.  Members and guests gathered on Saturday for three hours of intensive sensitivity training featuring CVM staff and local experts.  On Sunday, guest speaker Mike Beates shared the Theology of Disability.  Here is one participant's testimony:   It was an honor to participate in the Disability Awareness event at Coquina Community Church. Sam and Ann Thompson put an incredible amount of thought and preparation into this project for the benefit of many.   As a teacher of children and young adults that are blind or visually impaired, it  was impressive, personal, and audience friendly.  I was the student during this weekend, as I listened to Sam, Ann, Cally and Jann present on their areas of expertise and experience.  The entire seminar was sensitively and professionally done.  I learned more about physical, developmental and invisible disabilities such as traumatic brain injury. I watched as our pastor [who is trained as a physical therapist] demonstrated how to safely transfer a person from a wheelchair to a stationary chair. The exercises to simulate the difficulties for a person with fine motor limitations due to Cerebral Palsy, paralysis, or arthritis were so enlightening for the children that participated and for those of us observing.  The awareness and sensitivity that is awakened gives each of us an opportunity to look through a window into the world of someone who is overcoming each day in big or small ways.  I look forward as the valuable 'seed' of this weekend experience takes root in the life of each one present. I pray that it grows to make a difference in each one's future encounters.      Two other things come to mind just now as I recall the weekend, though there were so many layers that were powerful:        1. To not just reach out and 'minister to' people that need help or are different in some way--physically or mentally. Rather, to find out their abilities and gifting, and to come alongside to assist in developing them. To help that person to participate, give, and grow, not just receive.      2.  When the visiting pastor shared Sunday morning that sometimes a person cannot give back, or in any way reciprocate or participate. Sometimes their gift, such as in the case of his daughter, is in their presence, as a mirror to us, a reminder of our own state of dependence and paralysis, our own disabilities and limitations, and our need for God's grace.  Not one of us can give back for what we have received of His abundant love. We can only hope to be an expression and extension of it as it passes through us to others.   Thank you so much for the opportunity. Sincerely, Patty Woods Springfield Orientation and Mobility Instructor Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind       For More Information, or to Schedule An Event for Your Church, School, Business or Organization Please Contact Us