School can be difficult for children who don’t fit in, who don’t look like everyone else, who learn differently, or who can’t keep up in schoolwork, sports, or social situations. These kids are often excluded, teased, or bullied.

We are changing this. Our classroom programs, which are provided at no cost to schools, have become an integral part of many Maine schools’ anti-bullying, inclusion, and community-building efforts. We work with one classroom at a time so that students can be involved and engaged in a way that larger groupings don’t allow. Because the programs are so participatory, the children are not only program recipients but also steer each session’s direction and drive the discussion based upon individual experiences and existing school and community dynamics. The interactive, lively, hands-on activities allow children to:

• Understand that disabilities are an aspect of human diversity and do not define a person
• Break down stereotypes about differences and similarities
• Explore the power of unkind words, exclusion, and bias
• Identify and roleplay solutions to disability-related mistreatment and bullying
• Practice empathy and inclusion.

Check out our full list of schools served since our programs began in 2004.

Please fill out our classroom programs request form and we will get back to you promptly.