Council encourages disability inclusion conversation

Camden Council is encouraging parents, carers, educators and teachers to talk with children about recognising all abilities, with new Disability Inclusion Resource Kits.

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Camden Council is encouraging parents, carers, educators and teachers to talk with children about recognising all abilities, with new Disability Inclusion Resource Kits.

The kits include 14 books which talk about disabilities, to spark conversations about being aware, understanding and accepting of people with disability.

The kits also include learning guides and objectives, discussion points, activities and where to go for more information.

Narellan World of Learning manager Maddie Rizzo said it was a great initiative.

“We have a responsibility to educate young children about our community, and our community is one that includes people with different abilities,” Ms Rizzo said.

“Unfortunately we are living in a time where stigma is still often attached to having different abilities, which can become a barrier for people with disability.

“Children can definitely play a part in breaking down these barriers when they are given the tools to do so.

“I believe it will help children to, authentically and respectfully, understand the experiences of people with different abilities.”

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Camden Mayor Peter Sidgreaves said the kits were free to borrow from Camden, Narellan and Oran Park libraries.

“More than 6000 Camden residents currently live with some form of disability, more than 3300 need help in their day-to-day lives due to a severe or profound disability and more than 6600 provided unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or old age,” Cr Sidgreaves said.

“I believe storytelling is a great way to teach children about the differences they’ll see in the people around them and how important it is to be respectful to everyone.”

For more information, call Council on 4654 7777.