The first theme of our Inclusive School Year is “Be Aware”. 1 in 5 Canadians have a disability, and face both physical and attitudinal barriers daily. With virtual Ambassador presentations and resources for every age, you can teach your class or community youth group about disability inclusion, connecting to wider discussions around diversity, equity, and accessibility. “Be Aware” presentations are available from September- December, 2022.
Get started by booking your RHF Ambassador presentation below, or explore additional videos, lesson plans and activities on this topic by grade level. If you have already booked a presentation, you’ll also find pre and post presentation activities here:
Book a Presentation
RHF Ambassadors are individuals with various disabilities affecting their mobility, vision, and/or hearing. They share their engaging stories with children and youth in schools and communities in the form of virtual presentations provided at no cost. Book a “Be Aware” themed presentation for your class, school or community group from September – December, 2022.
On the Move (Video)
Join friends Alex and Liam for an afternoon adventure as they explore their accessible city. Presented by the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program, this short, animated film for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students shows that an inclusive world is possible with the removal of attitudinal and physical barriers.
On the Move (Audio Described Video)
Audio described for blind and low vision people. Join friends Alex and Liam for an afternoon adventure as they explore their accessible city. Presented by the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program, this short, animated film for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students shows that an inclusive world is possible with the removal of attitudinal and physical barriers.
No Two Alike: Leaves, Snowflakes, People Part 1 (K-2)
Pre-Presentation Activity: Students consider the similarities and differences between either leaves or snowflakes, then consider how people are similar – we all have some things that make us the same and some things that make us different.
No Two Alike: Leaves, Snowflakes, People Part 2 (K-2)
Post-Presentation Activity: Students compare similarities and differences between children, including those with disabilities and learn that children with disabilities like to do many of the same activities that we all do.
A Day in Your Shoes (K-2)
Students are put into groups and given a scenario where they consider what it would be like to be someone else and how they would like to be treated in the given scenario.
Everyone Has Abilities (K-2)
Students identify their own abilities and challenges, read a story about Rick Hansen and discuss how much we can tell (and can’t tell!) about a person just by looking at them.
On the Move (Video)
Join friends Alex and Liam for an afternoon adventure as they explore their accessible city. Presented by the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program, this short, animated film for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students shows that an inclusive world is possible with the removal of attitudinal and physical barriers.
Understanding Disability (Grades 3-5)
Pre-Presentation Activity: Students watch a short video about a teen with a mobility disability, then answer some reflection questions.
Assumptions (Grades 3-5)
Post-Presentation Activity: Students examine their first impressions of different roles people hold in society (for example, Artist, Athlete, Musician). These mindsets are challenged by introducing students to famous people with disabilities who hold these roles.
Assumptions Extension Activity (Grades 3-5)
Students discuss first impressions and the importance of seeing beyond myths and stereotypes about people with disabilities.
Changing the Conversation about Disability (Grades 6-8)
Pre-Presentation Activity: Students watch a short video about perceptions and attitudes towards people with disabilities as well as accessibility, then answer reflection questions.
Disability Awareness True or False (Grades 6-8)
Post-Presentation Activity: Students consider whether 10 disability statements are true or false. They learn that while first impressions can be misleading, we can do our part by increasing our disability awareness to make sure everyone is not erroneously judged and is included.
A Day in the Life (Grades 6-8)
Students reflect on a typical week in their own life. Then, they imagine and reconsider their regular activities from the perspective of a person with a disability. Students portray this by creating a “Day in the Life” of a person with a disability art project.
First Impressions & Stereotypes (Grades 6-8)
Students complete an exercise evaluate how first impressions can be misleading, and discuss their misconceptions. They will learn about the life of Rick Hansen and how first impressions affected him.
Just Like U (Video)
This video introduces Elena, Jaelyn, and Tai, and their friends and family, who encourage all of us to create a more inclusive world. Speaking from their experience of young people living with a disability, they share their dreams about what is possible when we all choose to see the person first, with all of their potential.
Just Like U (Video)
This video introduces Elena, Jaelyn, and Tai, and their friends and family, who encourage all of us to create a more inclusive world. Speaking from their experience of young people living with a disability, they share their dreams about what is possible when we all choose to see the person first, with all of their potential.
Just Like U (Audio Described Video)
Audio described for blind and low vision people. This video introduces Elena, Jaelyn, and Tai, and their friends and family, who encourage all of us to create a more inclusive world. Speaking from their experience of young people living with a disability, they share their dreams about what is possible when we all choose to see the person first, with all of their potential.
Circles of Trust (Grades 9-12)
Pre-Presentation Activity, part 1: This exercise will increase our awareness that many of us tend to create our closest communities with those that are similar to us. It will bring awareness to some of the unconscious biases and limited perspectives we may each have.
Similarities Game (Grades 9-12)
Pre-Presentation Activity, part 2: We share more than we think! In this game, student in the middle of a circle have the opportunity to share a truth about themselves, while the rest of the students determine if they share that truth in common. Students then reflect on what they’ve found out about their classmates, and how if our natural tendency is to gravitate towards those that are similar to us, we may miss out on connecting with others we may really enjoy.
Choosing to Include or Exclude (Grades 9-12)
Post-Presentation Activity: Students watch a short video clip, where Élise, a young Deaf adult, shares about an experience of being excluded. Students then answer some reflection questions, which can be either completed as a class discussion or as a written assignment.
Recognizing and Embracing Diversity (Grades 9-12)
Students watch a short video that introduces youth Elena, Jaelyn, and Tai, and their friends and family, who encourage all of us to create a more inclusive world. Students then answer reflection questions either by written response or as a group discussion.
Picture This (Grades 9-12)
Students examine the depiction of people with disabilities in the media and recreate an advertisement to be inclusive of people with disabilities.
How can we support your classroom’s journey to inclusion?
Get in touch with one of our team members for guidance on how our lessons and activities can help you create an inclusive, disability-aware classroom, and how to continue the conversation with youth on making a difference: schools@rickhansen.com