Students Try Walking in Others' Shoes

Most students at Canyon Vista Elementary School already know a little about what it means to be "differently abled." That's because their school has held an annual ability awareness day for the past two years. But this year's Third Annual Walk in Our Shoes event was extended to an entire week. 

Each day this week, the children have discussed, written about or practiced kindness. Every student was given a "kindness" bracelet and one person from each class will be awarded a special certificate for kind behavior.

On Wednesday, students spent part of the school day at a hands-on event designed to help them understand what it feels like to live with a physical or developmental challenge. Stations were set up around the campus to explore physical disabilities, asthma/allergies and ADHD/autism. 

Students have also heard inspiring stories by guest speakers from the Disability Foundation. One of the speakers was vision-impaired, another hearing-impaired, another paraplegic, and the fourth has cerebral palsy.

Also on hand:

• Avery, an 11-year-old girl with a brain malformation who started an organization that focuses on recycling and encouraging others to take better care of our planet.  
• Ashley, a vivacious 9-year-old with cerebral palsy, who planned to chat with third-graders about her life.

This year's event was sponsored by the PTA and organized by parent Pam Balducci. For more information, contact the school at 949-234-5941.