Lunada Bay Elementary and Day 1 of the Abilities Expo LA
Thursday, I had the pleasure of introducing Wendy on Wheels to a kindergarten class at Lunada Bay Elementary School. It was my first school visit in California. What a wonderful group of little ones! I started with Wendy on Wheels Goes to the Zoo. The group did great with the discussion questions, although they were more interested in having me read more books. I read two more of my books. I got a bunch of hugs when it was time for me to go. How sweet! I LOVE IT!!!
On my way out, I saw some excellent anti-bully signs the second graders made.
I love this catchphase, “Bullies are a pain in the brain!”
I used to draw hearts on everything when I was a kid.
Yesterday, was the first day of the Abilities Expo in LA. It was great. There was very little traffic on the way to downtown LA, so we got our booth set up right on time. That’s always a good start. I met a lot of great people. Here’s a picture of my son and me.
One particular conversation that stands out in my mind was with a gentleman, named Andrew. He said at the time he started kindergarten around 1977, they had just started mainstreaming children with different abilities. He was the first ever child with a wheelchair to attend at the school. The school was not prepared, mentally or physically. Not only did he have to go all the way outside to get to other parts of the school but he had 300 kids asking him all sorts of questions. “What’s wrong with you?” “How do you go to the bathroom?” “Why are your feet so small?” I can imagine it made things very difficult. I hope to change this with Wendy on Wheels.
There are two more days of the Abilities Expo in LA. I read my newest book, Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand today in my workshop. I can’t wait!
Tags: Abilities Expo, ability, acceptance, anti-bullying books, Author visits, bullying, bullying signs, changing the world, Children's book, education, Inclusion, inspirational, Los Angeles, Lunada Bay Elementary, mainstream, mainstreaming, muscular dystrophy, paralysis, physical disabilities, special education, special needs, spinal muscular atrophy, wheelchair
