Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Dartford held a Disability Awareness Week for all of its pupils and staff. The purpose of the week was to make pupils aware of disability, the daily obstacles that disabled people face and how they overcome these, and to help pupils think about other people’s feelings and needs.

The week began with a visit from inspirational 15 year old Paralympian Wheelchair Fencer Gabi Down and wheelchair fencing lessons from Catherine and Peter Gandolfi from Gravesham Fencing Club.

Throughout the week there were visits from Natasha Collett from Diabetes UK, Sightsavers Ambassador Dr Corry van den Bosch, Keith Moss from the Stroke Association, Richard Turner from Action on Hearing Loss, Lindsey McManus from Allergy UK and Kim Padgham from Kent Deaf Children’s Society and the British Tinnitus Association sent resources for teachers to share with their classes.

Marion D’Moirah from QEF Mobility Services brought along an adapted car so that the children could see how disabled people drive and Margaret Brix & Geoff Howlett from Thameside Wheelchair Dancing gave wheelchair dancing lessons.

Great fun was had on Wednesday afternoon with magic shows from Magic Bazz, a children’s entertainer that uses British Sign Language and guide dog trainers Malcolm and Jean Moore, spent three days in school along with puppies Joker and Gareth.

Sports equipment was borrowed from Milestone Academy and wheelchairs were hired from the British Red Cross so that the children could find out how wheelchair accessible different part of the school and grounds were.

Key Stage 1 children had a Disabled Teddy Bears Picnic, the Makaton language programme was taught and some of the older children had a go at using a Braille machine.

Steve Brown, captain of the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team at the Paralympic Games in London 2012, came into school on Thursday afternoon. Steve brought along his rugby wheelchair and ball from the games and gave two truly inspirational and motivational talks.

The week ended with The Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Mrs Patsy Thurlow, presenting certificates during our ‘Celebration Assembly’ and talking about her chosen charities for the year: The Renal Unit at Darent Valley Hospital and The North West Kent Disabled Foundation.

The week was a huge success enjoyed by children, staff and visitors alike, with one visitor commenting: I was very impressed by the children’s behaviour and by their thoughtfulness: you have obviously created a strong and positive culture in which they can feel both relaxed and eager to learn.

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