We have developed several programs which promote understanding of and empathy towards persons with disabilities. Ideal as team-building exercises, employee or management retreats, seminars, in-services, or lunch and learn events, these activities are fun, interactive and eye-opening.
I want to thank you and your team for doing such a great job at our training day with the TOAD program. Our team members have gained some very insightful information to assist with their daily work, bringing awareness in how we can serve our customers.
—Randy Nerling, Store Manager, Save On Foods, Walnut Grove
Read the full letter of thanks
Try On a Disability – TOAD for Children & Youth
This fun, interactive program includes a short, informative talk, “Person First, Disability Last”, followed by the opportunity to try on disabilities including various forms of sight impairment, arthritis, and stroke. This program introduces people to the kinds of disabilities that are common to the population and which many will face as a result of injury, disease and/or the aging process.
Time: 1 hours plus set-up time.
Cost: Available upon request
Overall the teachers and students were very engaged and learned a lot. Our older students said:
- “this day changed how I think about people with disabilities”
- “before when I saw someone who was different I wondered what was wrong with them or what had happened to them, now I know that they are just people”
- “when I see someone who needs help I will just help them”
- “I decided that I want to work with kids who need help when I grow up”
- “I learned that fair isn’t about everyone getting the same thing. I used to think it wasn’t fair when some kids at my school got an extra break or got to use a computer. Now I know that they are just getting what they need and I get other things that I need”
Thanks for providing this opportunity for our staff and students!
Diana Wilk, Principal, Douglas Park Community School
Zosia and her team came to our school with their “Try On A Disability” program and it was a big success. Zosia was wonderful to plan with and the organizers were patient, kind and supportive of our students as they went through the learning stations. Our students not only enjoyed the day with them but, more importantly, developed more empathy and a better understanding about life with a physical disability. We look forward to having Langley Pos-Abilities back at our school in the near future.” —Chris Wejr, Principal, James Hill Elementary School
Try On a Disability – TOAD for Adults
TOAD for Adults is ideal for lunch & learns, part of an in-service event, and team building. Our talk, “Person First, Disability Last”, allows large groups of participants to understand the experience of a person with a disability.
For events with sufficient space, the wheelchair obstacle course experience leaves a lasting impression. Participants navigate a course that reflects local accessibility codes. What is “to code” is not without challenges, nor is it necessarily well thought out. Participants are provided with a “spotter” to ensure they complete the course safely.
Note: The wheelchair obstacle course needs 40 feet by 60 feet of space and a flat surface.
Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: Available Upon Request
The TOAD program allowed our team members to DO specific tasks while ‘taking on’ some of the day-to-day challenges experienced by those with special needs and disabilities, such as limited eye-sight or ‘living’ in a wheel-chair. As a first responder organization who provides emergency services to those displaced by disasters, the TOAD experience allowed our team members to better understand and be more cognitively aware of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and helped define how we can assist and empower evacuees during and after an emergency.
Ginger C. Sherlock, Emergency Program Coordinator
Langley Emergency Program | City & Township of Langley | Protective Services
Try on a Disability – TOAD for the Community
A combination of TOAD for Children & Youth and TOAD for Adults, this Pos-Abilities extravaganza is perfect for all day events that allow for maximum time.
Time: Over 2 hours.
Cost: Available Upon Request
I want to say thank you again to you and your team of volunteers for your TOAD presentation for FVRL staff. I found it insightful and thought-provoking. I especially appreciated the hands-on approach of the presentation. Experiencing some of the challenges associated with varying disabilities and discussion with your volunteers helped me gain an understanding of what true accessibility means and how can take steps to achieve it. Throughout the presentation and following, I was engaged with other staff in discussion of how we as a library can 1) make the library more accessible to all persons and 2) share what we learned for you with others in the community.
E.S., Fraser Valley Regional Library
Pos-Abilities did a two and half hour evening presentation for the Abbotsford Emergency Support Services (ESS) Team. The information provided was relevant to our role as ESS responders. We also participated in hands on stations that kept our team members engaged and interested. Each station demonstrated challenges that persons with disabilities face daily, this insight was extremely valuable. As a team we will apply what we have learned, and be a stronger and empathic team, because of it. Thank you
Sue Rai, Abbotsford ESSD
Participants’ response to TOAD:
…Excellent presentation, demonstration and exercises
…very insightful
…eye-opening
…great presentation, Thank you!
To Book Your TOAD event, please use our CONTACT FORM.