Ability Awareness Training
Popular Full-Day Staff Development Opportunity
“ABILITY AWARENESS IN ACTION”
If your school wants to heighten sensitivity and appreciation for people who are perceived as “different,” or your school is struggling with bullying or disrespect on campus, then this workshop is for you!

Ability Awareness in Action
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Tired of the old disability awareness simulation activities that produce pity, fear, apathy, and stereotypes?
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Want to teach students about disability as a part of diversity?
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Want to teach students about the disability experience from a perspective based in disability research?
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Want to dazzle your learning community with an engaging, transformational, and well-organized ability awareness event?
Diana’s Ability Awareness in Action workshop is just what you need!
By teaching today’s children and youth about disability from a perspective of dignity, respect, appreciation, and inclusion, we will create future generations that honor and appreciate differences and offer respectful opportunities and supports to people so that they are included within their communities.

This training is perfect for teachers and community members who want their efforts to make a real difference in the lives of people who have disabilities. Participants will walk away with:
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Historical and cultural background of disability issues
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An understanding of respectful and responsible disability awareness
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An understanding of the Fundamentals of Ability Awareness
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An understanding of respectful language choices
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A step-by-step, practical guide to creating an Ability Awareness culture
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A step-by-step, practical guide to creating an Ability Awareness Celebration
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Ideas for how to incorporate Ability Awareness into existing programs and curricula

See what people are saying about Diana’s Ability Awareness in Action Trainings:
“First rate, road tested, and well-devoloped!”
Jeff Moyer, Disability Studies Professor, Disability Rights Advocate, Motivational Speaker
“Excellent! Great notebook, resources, and balanced activities…I enjoyed the day!”
Mendy McClure, San Diego State University, Special Education Professor
“We can’t thank you enough for your contribution to our recent National Conference on Inclusion. You provided such a valuable learning opportunity through your Ability Awareness in Action general session. Your breakout session that afternoon guided many participants in how to create their own awareness festival, and now that information will be spread across the country through their work. ”
Torrie Dunlap, Director, National Training Center on Inclusion, Kids Included Together
“I LOVED your training...it just brought to the forefront of thinking to remember to treat everyone with complete dignity, and refuse to limit ability. We'll stay in touch with what we're doing to promote "ability awareness"... As I said in the training, we are a work in progress, and we're excited to create an atmosphere that promotes wonderment for all children...”
Tressie Armstrong
Principal, Kelly Elementary School, San Diego
“Thank you so much for the Ability Awareness training you provided for KIT. We all enjoyed it very much, and I think you made a big impact on the youth providers who were there. Your message is so important and you presented it in such a powerful way.”
Alissa Lavelle, Kids Included Together
“Thank you so much for your informative and inspirational presentation today. I think we all tend to forget how far we still have to go in educating ourselves about "ability" versus disability. Thank you for providing us with an additional perspective. It's always a wonderful gift to find a teacher who has gone above and beyond her duties, and mission. To go beyond the 3 R's…
Our children need positive role models, and you are undoubtedly one of those special teachers who will have a very positive influence on the on the minds of thousands of youngsters in your career. Kindness is not something that can be taught in a book, it is something that children must see and experience first hand...thank you for fostering that belief in what you are doing.”
Kim Prendergast, Cajon Valley Council PTA
“I appreciate your passion, vision, and energy in passing ability awareness to the world!” Anonymous
“Inspirational and informed – well worth the time!”
Anonymous
See what your colleagues will say to you when you successfully implement the Ability Awareness in Action strategies learned in Diana’s training!

“Wow!!! another amazing ability awareness celebration! Thank you, Diana, for all your hard work and dedication!!! The kids learn so much from all this and so do I!!! You are the bomb!!!!”
Celina Castillo
2nd Grade Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“YOU are amazing. Ability Awareness was so smooth and educational, as always. Thank you for doing this and having the guest speakers come to our rooms. It is so important that our kids understand HOW to love and accept others; not just that they should.”
Jil Thompson
4th Grade Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“Thank you so much for bringing this event to us, Diana! It's always so powerful for my students, and opens up such great conversations!!! YOU rock!!!!”
Jessica Garcia
4th Grade Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“It was so amazing! Thank you, Diana, and everyone who helped out. My students are so excited to write their thank you notes. Your organization with this always amazes me, and McMillin appreciates what you do to help our students be aware and to love one another! Thanks!”
Ann Hastings
5th Grade Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“You amaze me both professionally and personally. Thank you for all your hard work! You always put it together and the kids learn to appreciate EVERYONE.”
Esther Hernandez
Kindergarten Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“Diana, you never cease to amaze me! While it must be stressful to coordinate everything, you spin all the plates in concert and make good things happen so seamlessly. You're an inspiration to me. (Sappy, I know...but I mean every single word!). Here’s to you!”
Chris E. Vickers
6th Grade Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“I just wanted you to know how much I admire you, and how great this celebration was! I was truly honored to be part of it. I truly believe that this is great information for the students. What an amazing amount of information for them to use for the rest of their lives. Thank you
for all that you do. I look forward to working with you again.”
Thank you,
Hilie Hill
PTA Volunteer Coordinator
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
“Ditto on everyone's comments, Diana! My kids loved it and we really loved all the speakers! It was great having a diversity of speakers - the kids really connected with them! Thank you!”
Patti Guthrie
3rd Grade Teacher
McMillin Elementary School
“All I can say is thank you, Diana, for doing what we all aspired to do when we became educators. You are making a difference with your dedication, your inspiration, and your commitment to educating our students. Awesome!”
Jorge Mora
Principal
McMillin Elementary School
Chula Vista, California
To book Diana for training, consultation, or to speak to your group, contact: Diana@AbilityAwareness.com