SHARE bear and care

By Lia Bichel
LOCAL primary schools are getting involved in a program to raise awareness among children about disability issues.
About 500 primary school students have attended the three-session program in 2008 and numbers are continuing to grow this year.
The program, called SHARE (Show Honour And Respect Everyone) is presented by residents who have disabilities. They teach students strategies when engaging people with disabilities and to see their abilities rather than their limitations.
City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said he was confident the program was a success by the feedback he received from students and teachers.
“The sessions promote understanding and tolerance of difference in the community, challenge public perceptions of stereotypes and highlight the abilities of people with a disability,” he said.
The disability awareness program was developed through the Metro Access project initiative and conducted by the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and the Shire of Cardinia.
Council is encouraging schools wishing to get involved in this program to contact Council’s Metro Access Disability Inclusion Officer on 9705 5200.