We Are People First

This video uses humor and a touch of satire to challenge how non-disabled people interact with and talk about people with disabilities. Framed as a disability sensitivity training video, this clip provides important tips so that non-disabled people can check their assumptions and be more of a support than a hinderance.

Suggested Grades: 6-12

CASEL Standards: Re-S, Rs-DM, So-A

In this short clip from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger meets Chrissie, a girl who used crutches and leg braces to walk. He learns that although they are different in some ways, they are similar in others. In linking to this video, you can also find other clips that explore this topic from the episode.

Suggested Grades: K-2

CASEL Standards: Re-S, So-A

Special education teacher Chris Ulmer is sparking a global dialogue about neurodiversity and disability with his YouTube series “Special Books for Special Kids” by introducing his millions of viewers to a medically-diverse group of children and their families. 

Suggested Grades: K-12

CASEL Standards: Re-S, So-A

We’ve featured some animated Storybooth videos in past playlists and this time, we’ve identified clips that feature young people who are living with disabilities, sharing their personal stories of isolation and self-acceptance. 

Click here to view Deaf in a Hearing World 

Click here to view Being a Little Person 

Click here to view Living with ADHD 

Click here to view My Life with CP (Cerebral Palsy)

Suggested Grades: 3-8

CASEL Standards: Re-S, So-A

 In Stella Young’s humorous TED talk, she explains why the fact that she uses a wheelchair doesn’t automatically mean she exists to be an inspiration to all. Share this with your students to spark a dialogue about why people with disabilities are often cast as motivational tropes. 

Suggested Grades: 9-12

CASEL Standards: So-A

Buzzfeed brings together a group of people living with disabilities to dispel some common misconceptions and challenge the viewer’s understanding of what it means to have a disability.

Suggested Grades: 6-12

CASEL Standards: So-A

Authentic representation matters so much, especially for marginalized groups. In this second Buzzfeed clip, a group of people with disabilties weigh in on which fictional characters and actors from contemporary film and television get the thumbs up…or down. 

Suggested Grades: 11-12 (Content Warning for some profanity, reference to “inspiration porn.”)

CASEL Standards: So-A

People with disabilities deserve to have their space and autonomy respected, just like everyone else. This article, originally published by Disability Rights and Resources, is an important resource that promotes ways that non-disabled individuals can have mindful interactions with individuals that have disabilities. 

Suggested Grades: 6-12

CASEL Standards: Re-S, Rs-DM, So-A

Unfortunately, our world isn’t always accessible for people with disabilities, especially when they have mobility and sensory impairments. By the end of this lesson, students will have taken inventory of their own school to see how their community can take a step towards removing accessibility boundaries. There are suggestions for differentiation within the instructional plan so that students of all ages can take part in the activities. We’ve downloaded the assets used in the lesson for you.

Click here to view Brett Eastburn- No Boundaries

Click here to view Just Like You

Click here to access the Disability Awareness Handout

Suggested Grades: K-12

CASEL Standards: So-A, Re-S, Rs-DM

This dynamic curriculum packet uses language arts activities, worksheets and children’s literature to increase awareness and promote empathy. It includes a list of books that are perfect for students to continue their exploration of the topics presented.

Suggested Grades: K-5

CASEL Standards: So-A

Common Core ELA Standards: K.RL.1.1, K.RL.1.2, K.RL.3.7, K.RL.3.9, 1.RL.1, 1.RL.3, 2.RI.1, 2.RI.2, 2.RL.1, 2.RL. 2, 2.W.1, 3.RI.1.1, 3.RI.2.6, 3.RL.1.1, 3.RL.2.5, 3.W.1.2, 3.W.1.3, 4.RL.1.1, 4.RL.1.2, 4.RL.1.3, 4.RL.2.4, 4.W.1.1, 4.W.1.2, 4.W.3.7, 5.RL.1.1, 5.RL.1.2, 5.RL.2.4, 5.W.1.1, 5.W.1.2, 5.W.3.7

This series of lesson plans help students to understand how the care and treatment of people with disabilities have changed throughout history. Although this curriculum was created to be aligned with New York state standards, we think these activities are valuable regardless of your location.

Suggested Grades: 4-8

CASEL Standards: Rs-DM, So-A

These mini-lessons are meant to help students develop attitudes and behaviors that are respectful toward all students, regardless of ability, by allowing students to reflect on their perceptions and relate to the feelings of frustrations of those with disabilities.

Suggested Grades: 6-8

CASEL Standards: Re-S, Rs-DM, So-A, Se-M

This lesson, curated for National Public Radio’s “Beyond Affliction: The Disability History Project” documentary series, helps students explore aspects of disability by investigating audio transcripts, text transcripts, images, timelines, primary source documents, and interviews. Then they’ll use what they’ve learned to create visual presentations. 

Suggested Grades: 9-12

CASEL Standards: So-A

Common Core ELA Standards:  9-10.RL.11, 9-10.RI.2, 9-10.RI.4, 9-10.W.2, 9-10.W.8, 9-10.SL.1, 9-10.L.4, 11-12.RL.11, 11-12.RI.2, 11-12.RI.4, 11-12.W.2, 11-12.W.8, 11-12.SL.1, 11-12.L.4