1

Disability Awareness Patch Program Girl Scout Daisy

Welcome Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is excited your troop/group is participating in the Disability Awareness Patch Program, created to generate discussion, nurture an inclusive environment and empower girls to learn the value of each other. With your guidance, girls will gain greater insight and understanding of disabilities and differences, and use their G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ skills to promote inclusivity in Girl Scouting.

With the help of Envolve, we created new curriculum for Girl Scout Daisies (grades K-1) that uses the book Darby Boingg has an Adventure and meets a Person with Disabilities. Girls will read this book and participate in a series of activities to learn why inclusion is important and how it applies to Girl Scout values. They will discover similarities between themselves and people with disabilities, learn about types of wheelchairs and how they can make a difference by creating a walker or wheelchair pouch.

As a leader, you may have already had rewarding experiences with girls with disabilities in your troop. Remember, you do not need to have prior knowledge or experience in the disability field to teach girls about acceptance and inclusion of others. All the patch program activities include easy-to-follow activity plans including discussion starters, supply lists and a Darby Boingg Has an Adventure and Meets a Person with Disabilities book for each girl, as well as a parents/guardian guide for further discussion at home.

Requirements To earn the patch, girls must complete five activities in addition to reading the book. Girls should choose one activity from each of the Discover, Connect and Take Action categories and should complete two more activities from any category. Girls can complete the activities individually or in a troop, in any order.

Where to acquire book Darby Boingg has an Adventure and meets a Person with Disabilities is available for each Girl Scout Daisy participating in this patch program. To receive the free kit, please contact Lucretia Penn at 314.592.2337 or lpenn@girlscoutsem.org.

Where to acquire patches In partnership with Envolve, The Disability Awareness patch if free for Girl Scouts Daisies. To receive the free patch, please have each girl complete the pre- and post-test evaluation located in the back of their booklet. Please record girls’ responses on the pre- and post-test sheets provided in this booklet and present the totaled responses to the Girl Scout Shop or mail order to the GS Shop, 2300 Ball Drive, St Louis, MO 63146.

How to wear your patch The patch should be placed on the back of the Girl Scout tunic. Adults may continue to use an assortment of garments and accessories for patch placement.

Helpful resources Another excellent resource for leaders of all age levels is Volunteer Essentials. Troop leaders may decide to check out the Disability Awareness Kit which includes hands-on activities to help promote awareness and understanding of differing abilities, Including Samuel Viewing Party Kit, or I am Norm Kit. All these resources and more are available through the Emerson Resource Center.

Contacts In addition to the Emerson Resource Center, questions about the program can be directed to Kerri Kelley at 314.592.2366 or kkelley@girlscoutsem.org.

2

Discover: A Key to Leadership Choose at least one activity from this category. Complete all steps in the numbered activity unless otherwise noted. REQUIRED: Make copies for each girl of the pre-test. Read aloud the questions and ask each girl to choose True or False. Read pages 1-5 of the Darby Boingg has an Adventure and meets a Person with Disabilities and then choose at least one activity listed below. ACTIVITY 1: THE GIRL SCOUT LAW Tips for discussion starters

• What does inclusion mean? The act of including or the state of being included. • Girl Scouts believe that each girl is an equal and valued member. What does that mean for your group?

Recite the Girl Scout Law together. Go over each section of the Law and discuss how it is applicable to inclusion. Talk about what it really means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.

ACTIVITY 2: UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCES COLOR WHEEL

Supplies: paper plates, crayons and several mirrors

1. Have each girl look into a mirror. Ask them, “What do you see?” How many different colors do you see?” give them time to answer, then ask, “What colors are your eyes, hair, skin, lips, clothes, shoes, etc.?” Then say aloud two colors that you are wearing today.

2. Give each girl a large circle or paper plate. Instruct them to divide it into six wedges. Instruct the girls to color each section according to the colors that they just observed on themselves.

3. Have the girls look at the color wheels that they have just created and compare them to the other girls’ wheels. Point out that there are no two exactly alike. if there are two that have the same colors, they most likely do not have them in the same places on the wheel.

4. Emphasize the large variety of colors. One color wheel is as special as another. Stress how people are all very different and that making decisions about someone according to color, shape of eyes, height, weight or ability is wrong.

5. Talk about how our differences make us special. And that what we have in common connects us. 6. Have each girl write down the traits they feel make them special. Use “I am special because…” then discuss

with the group.

3

Connect: A Key to Leadership Choose at least one activity from this category. Complete all steps in the numbered activity unless otherwise noted.

REQUIRED: Read pages 6-9 of the Darby Boingg has an Adventure and meets a Person with Disabilities and then choose at least one activity listed below.

ACTIVITY 1: I’M OK, YOU’RE OK Tips for discussion starters

• What does “I’m OK, You’re OK” mean? (I respect myself and you.) Discuss what this means. • Sometimes people are disrespectful and call people names and tease them. How do you think they feel when

they are teased? • How do you feel when someone makes fun of you? • Why do you think people call someone names or tease? • Is everyone different? Is it OK to be different?

Have the girls design and color the Incredible Chair found on page 16 of their book. After they have completed that ask them to look at it. How is each one of these different? In what ways are these alike?

ACTIVITY 2: SERVICE ANIMALS

Service animals are trained to assist a person with a disability with physical and emotional support. The animal has been trained to do work or perform tasks that benefit their owner. Find out which animals can be service animals, what they can do and how the public should interact with them.

(LEADER’S NOTE: After your group discussion about ways to interact with service animals see if you can arrange for someone who trains or uses a service animal to come and speak to your troop about these topics.)

4

Take Action: A Key to Leadership Choose at least one activity from this category. Complete all steps in the numbered activity unless otherwise noted. REQUIRED: Read pages 10 - 13 of Darby Boingg has an Adventure and meets a Person with Disabilities and then choose at least one activity listed below. After all activities have been completed make copies for each girl of the post-test. Read aloud the questions and ask each girl to choose True or False.

ACTIVITY 1: POSTER DESIGN

Tips for discussion starters

• What is the definition of respect? Respect means to be considerate in the way you think about and treat other people.

• Learn what respectful language you should use when referring to people who have disabilities. Refer to person-first respectful language.

1. Make a poster that will demonstrate how to treat people with disabilities with respect. Make your own drawing. Here are some ideas for the message to go with your drawing or you can think up your own message: • Every person has rights • We all come in different packages • Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can really hurt me

Display your poster in your classroom, school hall or local community center.

(LEADER’S NOTE: visit kidsartproject.com/how.asp for poster examples.)

ACTIVITY 2: SIGNING THE GIRL SCOUT PROMISE

Tips for discussion starters

• What is American Sign Language (ASL)? Discuss why some people might use ASL.

Using the Sign Alphabet Chart go over the Girl Scout Promise in American Sign Language (ASL) with your troop. Instruct the group to practice the Promise on their own and with each other, and then sign as a group. Share what they have learned with another troop or group. (LEADER’S NOTE: use the Sign Alphabet Chart in this booklet or visit a web resource such as lifeprint.com)

ACTIVITY 3: DESIGNING A WHEELCHAIR POUCH Tips for discussion starters

• Why are pouches important when people use wheelchairs? Using the directions included in this booklet have each girl make a wheelchair pouch. Donate the completed pouches to a local nursing home. (LEADER’S NOTE: use the directions in this booklet or visit a web resource such as Wheelchair Pouch Patterns)

5

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Disability Awareness Patch Program

Person-First Respectful Language

DISABILITY ETIQUETTE Before your troop members begin working on their project, it will be beneficial for them to learn about Disability Etiquette. This information will help the troop know what is and what is not respectful language and behavior to use when interacting with people who have disabilities.

PERSON-FIRST RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE Using person-first respectful language puts the person before the disability, and describes what disability a person has, not who a person is. It eliminates generalizations, assumptions and stereotypes by focusing on the person rather than the disability.

• Talk about the person first, then the disability. Say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person.”Remember, if a person’s disability is not important to the story or conversation, don’t mention it.

• It is okay to offer help to a person with a disability but wait until your offer is accepted BEFORE you help.Listen to instructions the person might give, or other assistive devices.

• Leaning on a person’s wheelchair is like leaning or hanging on a person and is usually considered annoyingand rude. The chair is a part of the individual’s body space and should be respected as such.

• When offering help to a person who is blind or partially sighted, allow that person to take your arm. This willenable you to guide, rather than lead the person. Use specific directions, such as “go left two feet” or“take six steps to the right.”

• When talking to a person who has a disability, speak directly to the person, not through a friend.

• Relax! Don’t be embarrassed if you say things like, “See ya later” to someone who is partially sighted, or

“Gotta run” to a person in a wheelchair.

• To get the attention of a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, tap them on the shoulder or wave. Lookdirectly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to determine if they read lips. NOTE: Not allpeople who are deaf or hard of hearing can read lips. Those who do rely on facial expressions and bodylanguage for understanding. Stay in the light and keep food, hands and other objects away from your mouth.Do not shout. Use written notes to convey messages.

• When speaking for more than a few minutes with a person who uses a wheelchair, place yourself at eye levelwith that person.

• When greeting a person with a visual disability, always identify yourself and others. For example, you can say,“On my right is John Smith.” Speak in a normal tone of voice. Let them know when you move from one placeto another.

Person-first Respectful Language Language to avoid

A person who has Down syndrome A Down’s kid

A person who has autism An autistic person

Person with a cognitive or developmental disability Slow, retarded, simple, special

Person with a physical disability Crippled, deformed

Congenital disability or birth anomaly Birth defect/affliction

Accessible buses, bathrooms, etc. Handicapped buses, bathrooms, etc.

6

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Disability Awareness Patch Program American Sign Language (ASL) Chart

7

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Disability Awareness Patch Program

Wheelchair Pouch

Supplies ~ A sheet of 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper (this will be your template) ~ Approx. 1/3 yd of main fabric ~ Approx. 1/3 yd of lining fabric ~ Thread ~ Sewing machine ~ Scissors Step 1: Using the sheet of paper as a template, cut out two rectangles from your main fabric and two rectangles from the lining fabric. Step 2: From the remaining fabric (main or lining) cut four strips 2 inches wide x 12 inches long. Step 3: Straps - Fold fabric strips lengthwise with right sides together. Step 4: Starting at the folded side of one end, sew across and down the strip of fabric with a 3/8-inch seam allowance.

8

Clip corners and turn inside out. (use a wooden chopstick for this step...It was a perfect tool.) Press straps

Step 4: Bag - with right sides together, starting with a short side, sew three sides of the rectangle using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Repeat with the lining fabric.

Press the seams flat near the opening of each pouch. Clip corners

Step 5: Turn the sewn lining fabric pouch right side out. Insert it into the main fabric pouch. Sandwich and pin the

straps between the main fabric pouch and lining pouch, two at each end. Make sure they're lined up with one another. The length of the strap should be tucked between the two layers.

9

Step 5: Sew around the edge of the bag with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving a 1-inch opening for turning. It is suggested to also back-stitch at the start and finish AND at each strap for reinforcement (optional).

Step 6: Gently turn the bag inside out. Stuff the lining inside the bag. Pin/press the edge around bag opening.

Step 7: Sew 1/8 inch from the bag opening around to close the hole. Press

10

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Disability Awareness Patch Program Service Providers and Organizations

Adapt-Ability Enables people with disabilities through technology. 9355 Dielman Industrial Dr. St. Louis, MO 63132 314.432.1101 adapt-ability.org Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities Develops, links and supports opportunities and services for older adults with developmental disabilities. 2385 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 314.647.8100 agingwithdd.org Center for Head Injury Services Rebuilds and enhances the lives of people with brain injuries, autism, intellectual disabilities and visual impairments. 11828 Lackland Rd. St. Louis, MO 63146 314.983.9230 headinjuryctr-stl.org CHAMP Assistance Dogs Places skilled service dogs with people who have disabilities to help them lead lives of greater independence; and with professionals who utilize their dogs' special skills in healthcare facilities, courthouses and children’s advocacy centers. 4910 Parker Rd. Florissant, MO 63033 314.653.9466 champdogs.org Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Benefits the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families through individual and family support, education, public awareness and advocacy. 8531 Page Ave., Suite 120 St. Louis, MO 63114 314.961.2504 dsagsl.org Duo Provides skilled assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities and trained therapy dogs to serve the community. 10955 Linpage Pl. St. Louis, MO 63132 314.997.2325 duodogs.org

11

Easterseals Midwest Strives to deliver exceptional services that helps build communities where all people with developmental disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), have equal opportunities to realize their goals, dreams and aspirations. Serves individuals and their families in Metropolitan St. Louis, Central, Northwest, Southwest and Southeast Missouri. 13545 Barrett Pkwy., Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63021 800.200.2119 easterseals.com Great Circle Creates something new in the communities they serve to help those struggling with difficult circumstances and to be a partner in their communities. 330 North Gore Ave. Webster Groves, MO 63119 844.424.3577 greatcircle.org Midwestern Braille Assists the blind by transcribing a wide variety of materials into Braille. 104 W. Adams Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 314.966.5828 mbvol.org Missouri Autism Coalition Promotes collaboration and information sharing regarding autism issues in Missouri. P.O. Box 1431 Jefferson City, MO 65102 missouriautism@gmail.com missouriautismcoalition.com Missouri Department of Mental Health State law provides three principal missions for the department: (1) the prevention of mental disorders, developmental disabilities, substance abuse and compulsive gambling; (2) the treatment, habilitation, and rehabilitation of Missourians who have those conditions; and (3) the improvement of public understanding and attitudes about mental disorders, developmental disabilities, substance abuse and compulsive gambling. 573.751.4122 or 1.800.364.9687 dmh.mo.gov Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council Assists individuals, families and the community in including all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life. 1.800.500.7878 or 573.751.8611 (voice or TT) mpcdd.com

12

Paraquad, Inc. Provides support for individuals with disabilities to discover their abilities. 5240 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 314.289.4200 paraquad.org Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Provides information on leisure, recreation and socialization opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. recreationcouncil.org

St Louis County Office 200 S. Hanley, Suite 100 St. Louis, MO 63105 314.726.6044 St. Louis City Office 2334 Olive St. Louis, MO 63103 314.772.2299

St. Charles Office 60 Gailwood Dr., Suite C St. Peters, MO 63376 636.477.7704

St Louis Arc Provides support and services to adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and their families. 1177 N. Warson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63132 314.569.2211 slarc.org St. Louis Learning Disabilities Association Provides a comprehensive range of services to children with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, their parents and teachers. 13537 Barrett Parkway Dr., Suite 110 Ballwin, MO 63021 314.966.3088 ldastl.org United Cerebral Palsy Heartland Offers a wide variety of programs for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. 13975 Manchester Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 636.227.6030 ucpheartland.org

13

NOTES: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….………………………………

14

NOTES: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….………………………………

15

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Disability Awareness Patch Program

Daisy Pre-test

Troop #: Leader name:

Leader email: Leader phone #:

Number of girls who are participating in this survey/program: Grade K: Grade 1:

Instructions:

• This test should be completed before your troop begins any work on the patch program

• Have the girls close their eyes or put their heads down, then read the questions out loud and ask the girls to raise their hands if they think each statement is true or false. If a girl is not sure, tell her it’s OK to guess.

• When your troop has completed the patch program, complete the post-test, then return both completed forms by mail or in person to the Girl Scout Shop, 2300 Ball Dr., St Louis, MO 63146.

# who

think true # who

think false

1. Having a disability only means you can’t walk.

2. A person with disabilities can do things like go to school and play basketball.

3. There are different types of wheelchairs.

4. Having a disability means you can’t help anyone.

5. Service animals are disabled animals.

6. Pouches are important when people use wheelchairs.

Pre-test

16

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Disability Awareness Patch Program

Daisy Post-test

Troop #: Leader name:

Leader email: Leader phone #:

Number of girls who are participating in this survey/program: Grade K: Grade 1:

Instructions:

• This test should be completed after your troop has completed the patch program

• Have the girls close their eyes or put their heads down, then read the questions aloud and ask the girls to raise their hands if they think each statement is true or false. If a girl is not sure, tell her it’s OK to guess.

• Return both the pre- and post-tests by mail or in person to the Girl Scout Shop, 2300 Ball Dr., St Louis, MO 63146.

# who think true

# who think false

1. Having a disability only means you can’t walk.

2. A person with disabilities can do things like go to school and play basketball.

3. There are different types of wheelchairs.

4. Having a disability means you can’t help anyone.

5. Service animals are disabled animals.

6. Pouches are important when people use wheelchairs.

# who

agree # who

disagree

1. Did you learn something new while doing this patch program?

2. Did you tell anyone else about something you learned?

3. Do you think people who are very different from each other still have things in common?

4. Do you think that people with disabilities can do lots of the same things that you can do?

5. Would you recommend this patch program to other girls?

Post-test Office use only Date: ______________ ____ Patches picked up ____ Patches mailed