The Need

"I am more concerned with the way other children treat my son than I am about the disability itself" said a mother of a boy with mental retardation.

• A young man with Cerebral Palsy said that a fellow student approached him while in high school, and said, "I didn't know they allowed retards in here!"

• A third grader hides behind a dumpster during recess to avoid ridicule and abuse by his classmates.

The Reward

The benefits of this unique experience extend far beyond this brief session. It touches hearts.

• "I admit that I made fun of some people that were disabled. From now on I'll try not to." (Student)

• "You helped me understand why people have stuff like fake arms and legs...Now I have know how others might feel when they are being stared at ...Thank you" (Student)

• "At a time when callous and cruel behavior is increasing in our schools, this message of respect and understanding deserves attention." (Volunteer Edwards Ennis)

• "It's a win-win-win situation: Our volunteers love uniting with our students in fostering appreciation of mutual humanness; our audiences appreciate the opportunity to share and grow; and our volunteers have a special knack for nurturing each self and each other."  (Volunteer JDD)