School-aged students living with a disability are sometimes singled out for their differences – excluded, picked on, not invited to birthday parties.
A 2019 study by Children and Young People with a Disability Australia (CYDA) has revealed that 48 per cent of students with disability surveyed had experienced bullying at school.
But free disability awareness programs like Variety’s Just Like You – which ran recently at Kariong Public School and is targeting Central Coast students in Years 1-8 – are turning the tide, helping students understand that people with a disability are “just like you and me”.
On the Central Coast, there are two Just Like You facilitators working towards making a difference in the lives of more than 14,500 students in the Central Coast region, thanks to the NSW Government’s Our Region, Our Voice Regional Youth Investment Program.
Kariong Public School is the 26th school on the Central Coast to participate in the program since its inception in 2015.
The program engages presenters with disability to build understanding, acceptance and inclusion of people living with a disability.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their individual roles and actions as a citizen in their school and community during fun workshops, mapped to the Australian curriculum.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, who attended the session at Kariong Public School, described the advent of such programs as an inspiring step forward for people living with disability and their peers.
“It was deeply rewarding seeing students’ eyes and ears wide open to the topic of disability, empathy and inclusion at Kariong,” Tesch said.
“Just imagine how much better the schooling experiences of Coastie kids with disability will be when their peers have attended programs such as Just Like You.
“Today’s school students are the inclusion advocates of tomorrow who will help to make our community an even better place for all.
“It’s so rewarding seeing students out in the world building their understanding and awareness of disability, with their genuine empathy for their peers in relation to disability and inclusion.
“I actively encourage other Central Coast primary and high schools to help promote a community of kindness, acceptance and inclusion by participating in the Just Like You program.”
Facilitator Kylie Woods, who has vision impairment, delivered the workshop at Kariong Public School.
“I empower school-aged children to see ability in every disability,” she said.
“This program is not just about inclusion; it’s about fostering empathy, kindness, and a shared sense of humanity.
“I’ve found purpose and passion as a facilitator in the Just Like You program, where we break down barriers and build bridges of understanding.
“Witnessing the transformative impact in our local area, I am reminded every day that differences are not obstacles but opportunities for connection and growth.”
Variety NSW/ACT chief executive officer Tony Warner said Just Like You was successfully reaching thousands of students across NSW.
“Since the program began in 2015, we have reached more than 121,000 students with these vital educational workshops that are delivered at no cost to NSW primary schools,” he said.
“The program is life-changing and forms an integral part of Variety’s commitment to creating a future where every child, regardless of circumstance or ability, can be supported, included and equal.”
Schools wanting to find out about the Just Like You program are invited to register their interest at www.justlikeyou.org.au or to call the JLY team on 1800 047 349.