NSW regional services community organisation, Social Futures has designed a new program ‘Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside’ for primary school children.
The free program, facilitated by Social Futures NDIS Local Area Coordinator, Maree Jenner is aimed at breaking down misconceptions and social barriers and encouraging awareness and inclusion for people with disability.
As a person of short stature, Jenner engages young people and speaks of her own experience of difference and the challenges she faced “growing up little” in a world built for average height people.
“It is a good opportunity to go and talk to children because they notice things, they are learning, and the earlier you talk to young people, the better. Young people have questions about disability, they are curious about difference. They want to know why that is, and to understand,” she said.
“Having contact with me and becoming familiar with disability helps to remove awkwardness. Through this program we support young people to feel comfortable with difference and open avenues toward understanding and respect.”
Short Statured People of Australia, national president, Sam Millard said he supports Maree and the work she is about to embark on.
“The work Social Futures will do through this program will give short statured people, of all ages, a greater opportunity to participate freely in the community without feelings of isolation and angst that a lack of understanding can cause,” he said.
Central Coast MP, Leisl Tesch, is also enthusiastic about the program. “As a wheelchair user and a Member of Parliament, I expect to be included in all aspects of our community, and I’m determined to help Social Futures to make inclusion for all a reality across the Central Coast and beyond,” she said.
Any Central Coast primary school who is interested in participating in the program can contact Social Futures on:1800 522 679.