Disability Awareness Week
March 18-22
Monday March 18-Wear Orange
Other Health Impairments-The “other health impairment” category covers conditions that limit a child’s strength, energy, or alertness. One example is ADHD which impacts attention and executive function.
Emotional/Mental Health Disabilities-Various mental health issues can fall under the “emotional disturbance” category. They may include anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression (Some of these may also be covered under “other health
impairment.”)
Tuesday March 19-Wear Red
Orthopedic Impairment-An orthopedic impairment is when kids lack function or ability in their bodies. An example is cerebral palsy.
Traumatic Brain Injury-This is a brain injury caused by an accident or some kind of physical force.
Wednesday March 20-Wear Green
Visual Impairment-A child who has eyesight problems is considered to have a visual impairment. This category includes both partial sight and blindness. If eyewear can correct a vision problem, then it doesn’t qualify.
Hearing Impairments-The term “hearing impairment” refers to a hearing loss not covered by the definition of deafness. This type of loss can change over time. Being hard of hearing is not the same thing as having trouble with auditory or language processing.
Deaf-blindness-Kids with a diagnosis of deaf-blindness have both severe hearing and vision loss. Their communication and other needs are so unique that programs for just the deaf or blind can’t meet them.
Thursday March 21-Wear Any Color and Rock your Socks
Learning Disabilities-The “specific learning disability” (SLD) category covers a specific group of learning challenges. These conditions affect a child’s ability to read, write, listen, speak, reason, or do math.
Intellectual Disability-Kids with this type of disability have below-average intellectual ability. They may also have poor communication, self-care, and social skills.
Multiple Disabilities-A child with multiple disabilities has more than one condition covered by IDEA. Having multiple issues creates educational needs that can’t be met in a program designed for any one disability.
Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome.
Friday March 22-Wear Blue
Autism Spectrum Disorder- ASD is a developmental disability. It involves a wide range of symptoms, but it mainly affects a child’s social and communication skills. It can also impact behavior.
Communication Disabilities-This category covers difficulties with speech or language. A common example is stuttering. Other examples are trouble pronouncing words or making sounds with the voice. It also covers language problems that make it hard for kids to understand words or express themselves.