Disability Awareness Program

 “EVERYONE IS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE”

It is a one-time educational talk designed to give students an awareness of disabilities through a classroom speaker and activities.  The theme that is introduced is “everyone is special, different and unique!”  Additional materials are given to teachers to expand on the on-time program so they can discuss and develop the theme in more detail.

Program:  The talk is given by Kristin Dailey and her brother Matthew.  Matthew is now an adult and has Down Syndrome and they have been speaking as a brother-sister team for over 15 years to promote disability awareness. 

They are both graduates of Solon High School, where they began the first local chapter of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).  CEC is a club that helps to educate students and teachers about disabilities, works to break down attitudinal barriers, and uses a peer mentor program to include special education students as an integral part of the school.  Kristin is a graduate of the University of Dayton and holds degrees in Elementary and Special Education.  She received her Masters in Administration at the University of Akron.

School Details:  This program is designed for both public and private schools.  It is suggested that anyone interested in scheduling the program with their local school first meet with the school guidance counselor and/or principal.  Usually the beginning or end of the year is best for scheduling new projects.

Audience:  The target audience is from 3rd grade and up.

Scheduling:  Regular class time is usually used for this program.  Occasionally a large assembly is also requested for certain grades. 

Ideal times for Kristin and Matt are Mondays and Tuesdays from 10-2pm.     There is time for them to schedule seven additional schools before June.    These schools will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis, with the goal that different locations within Cleveland are covered:  east, west and south sides.

Long Range Plan:  Ideally, this program will continue in the future with other teams of speakers.  Those interested in this program, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .