A free program for Central Coast schools is helping children understand the impacts of bullying on people living with disability.
Maree Jenner is a person of short stature, commonly referred to as dwarfism, and works for the not-for-profit organisation, Social Futures, an NDIS Partner in the community.
She delivers the Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside program to primary and high schools in the region.
The program aims to remove social barriers and encourage inclusion for people with disability.
A video about the program was launched ahead of Dwarfism Day on October 25 – a day for
raising awareness and challenging barriers for people who have dwarfism.
“Research shows that children with disability are at increased risk of being bullied,” Jenner said.
“Bullying can include making fun of kids because of their differences, and sadly the child doing the bullying is usually not fully aware of the hurt they are causing.
“The Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside program helps educate children and teachers about the steps they can take to be more inclusive of everyone.”
maree jenner
Jenner said a lack of peer support could contribute to children with disabilities being at higher risk of bullying and feeling excluded from everyday activities.
“Having friends who are caring and supportive and willing to speak out against bullying helps keep all children safe,” she said.
“Our program encourages everyone in the school community to think about actions they can take to ensure every student feels safe, included and valued.
“School supports, like a buddy-system, help students with disabilities participate and succeed at school – and that includes making meaningful friendships.”
Jenner said engaging students in activities in which everyone has a role helps to build an inclusive supportive environment.
“Social Futures also has programs visiting schools teaching inclusion through disability sports like blind cricket and wheelchair basketball, helping to break down barriers and unhelpful attitudes,” she said.
National President of Short Statured People of Australia, Sam Millard, supports the program.
“The relationship people have with physical difference is shaped in those formative first years, so having someone come in and help educate school-aged kids has a huge flow-on effect,” Millard said.
“It is wonderful that students have the chance to meet someone like Maree, so they are able to say, ‘I’ve met Maree; she’s short-statured, and in some ways different to me, but then we have this in common.’
“Things as simple as that can shape someone’s perception of difference.”
Jener also explains to school students how spaces and approaches to everyday activities can be adapted so they are accessible to everyone.
“I describe from my own lived experience what it is like physically navigating a world that is built for people of average height,” she said.
“Adaptive strategies and equipment are enormously helpful in providing universal access to buildings and opportunities for work, study and social participation.
“For example, at my workplace I have a specialised chair that enables me to use a standard desk.”
Jenner tells students that people with disabilities have incredible potential, but that it is often the attitudes and behaviours of other people that present the real barriers to inclusion.
“Young people are open to new ways of thinking and have questions about disability and are curious about difference.”
maree jenner
“Having contact with me and becoming familiar with disability helps to remove awkwardness and makes them feel more comfortable around people with disability.”
The program has been delivered to more than 1000 children on the Central Coast and the positive response of the students has been overwhelming.
“Children with disability approach me after the program to thank me for coming and teachers are raising access and inclusion improvements in school leadership meetings,” she said.
Schools interested in participating in the ‘progfram can contact Social Futures on 1800 522 679.
The video can be viewed at https://socialfutures.org.au/video/different-on-the-outside-same-on-the-inside-maree jenner/.
Source:
Media release, Oct 21
Social Futures