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Build an accessible and inclusive future

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  5. Currently selected Abilities in Motion

Use the Abilities In Motion Elementary toolkit and supplementary resources to increase awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion while changing attitudes about the potential of people with disabilities.

Abilities in Motion Abilities in Motion Grades K-8

Abilities in Motion

Abilities in Motion is a toolkit of resources that will increase awareness and change attitudes about the potential of people with disabilities, while underlining the importance of access and inclusion. The toolkit includes hands-on lessons and activities for Kindergarten to grade 8 classes. Download the full toolkit here, or scroll down to view and download individual lessons and supplementary resources. 

Download Toolkit

Learn how elementary educators can use this FREE bilingual resource. Curriculum-specific lessons and activities challenge and inspire students to see the potential of people with disabilities, understand current barriers, and make their school and community more inclusive and accessible.

Supplemental Resources

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Cover for Accessible Classroom

K Lesson: Accessible Classroom

Students read a book about a child with a disability or discuss pictures of people with disabilities. They consider how accessible their classroom would be for a student with a disability.

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K Lesson: We Are Like Snowflakes

Students complete a T-chart on similarities and differences of snowflakes to learn that each snowflake is unique, just like people. Students compare similarities between children, including those with disabilities.

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Cover for Everyone has Abilities

Gr1 Lesson: Everyone Has Abilities

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.

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Gr2 Lesson: School Inspectors

Students learn about different types of physical disabilities and the barriers that can make getting around difficult for people with a disability. Students analyze different areas of the school to consider how accessible they are.

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Gr2 Lesson: A Day in Your Shoes

Students will draw and decorate their own shoes from cardstock or paper, and write a short snippet about themselves. Students learn that we may never fully understand how another person is feeling because we all have differences from one another, but we should always try to understand.

Download
Cover for Let's Play, Accessible Playgrounds

Gr3 Lesson: Let's Play: Accessible Playgrounds

Students explore ways to make school playgrounds accessible for everyone, including children with disabilities.

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Cover for Assumptions

Gr3 Lesson: Assumptions

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.

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Lesson: Echolocation

In pairs, students take turns to locate their partners. The task is then repeated a second time with multiple pairs locating their partners at the same time. This activity illustrates the impact of background noise on echolocation.

Download
Cover for What's Your T10, 11 and 12

Gr4 Lesson: What's Your T10, 11 and 12

Students learn about spinal cord injuries and their effects, and the ability of persons with disabilities to lead healthy, active and social lives.

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Cover for On The Move

Gr5 Lesson: On the Move

Students explore how slope and surface affect momentum and distance travelled by moving objects such as toy cars and wheelchairs.

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Gr6 Lesson: Accessible or Not?

Students analyze case studies to explore how physical spaces can be made more accessible.

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Gr7 Lesson: First Impressions and Stereotypes

Students discuss first impressions and the importance of seeing beyond myths and stereotypes about people with disabilities.

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Cover for Assumptions

Gr8 Lesson: Assumptions

Students explore the potential of people with disabilities and the importance of focusing on what people can do, not what they can’t do.

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Gr8 Lesson: A Day in the Life

After students view the video Changing the Conversation About Disability, students journal their day-to-day activities over the course of a week. They consider which activities would be challenging for a person with a disability. Students create a "Day in the Life of" project about a person with a disability.

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Activities (K-8)

Activities, which can be used on their own or combined into a circuit as part of a larger event. Most of the activities will require a space larger than your classroom e.g. a gym or outdoor space. Activities provide your students with fun, experiential activities to give them an idea of how people with vision, hearing or physical disabilities overcome challenges and how all of us can help. Any of the activities can be combined with any of the lessons.

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Assessment Tools (K-8)

To be used for in-class activities, homework assignments, and student projects.

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Appendices (K-8)

AIM K-8 Toolkit Appendices/Information in this section is referred to throughout the AIM toolkit.
 

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Book cover of Boy in Motion

Audiobook: Boy in Motion

Encourage students to believe in themselves, through the inspiring story of Rick Hansen's early years.

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Book cover of Roll On

Audiobook: Roll On

The remarkable story of Rick Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour—and all the big dreams it inspired.

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Cover of illustrated children's book: Rick Hansen 'The boy who loved to move'.

E-Audio Book: The Boy who Loved to Move

Inspire your students with the story of Rick Hansen, the boy who loved to move in this accessible e-audio book. Hard copies available.

Download
Cover of illustrated children's book: Rick Hansen 'The boy who loved to move'.

E-Book: The Boy who Loved to Move

Inspire your students with the story of Rick Hansen, the boy who loved to move. Hard copies available.

Download
Book cover of Boy in Motion

E-book: Boy in Motion

Encourage students to believe in themselves, through the inspiring story of Rick Hansen's early years.

Download
Book cover of Roll On

E-book: Roll On

The remarkable story of Rick Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour—and all the big dreams it inspired.

Download
Book cover of Rick Hansen - Canadian Hero

E-book: Canadian Hero

How long would it take to go all the way around the world in a wheelchair? It took Rick Hansen more than two years. Why did he do it? Find out in Rick Hansen: Canadian Hero.

Download
Old photo of the journey of Rick Hansen on tour

Video: The Journey

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Ambassador Teri Thorson with a boy at the park

Video: Ambassador Teri Thorson

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Text: Spinal cord

Video: Spinal Cord

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Rick Bungee Jumping

Video: Rick Bungee Jumping

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Back of Rick Hansen. Text: The Rick Hansen Foundation

Video: Changing the Conversation About Disability

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Rick on tour

Video: Rick Hansen Man in Motion World Tour Footage - NA & Europe

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Rick on tour at the Great Wall of China

Video: Rick Hansen Man in Motion World Tour - Great Wall of China

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Text: What is a barrier?

Video: What is a Barrier?

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Screenshot of Living with a Disability

Video: Living With a Disability

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Graphics of man in a circle, surrounding a school

Video: Abilities in Motion Elementary Opening Assembly Video

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People playing wheelchair basketball

Video: Abilities in Motion Elementary Closing Assembly Video

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Want to get a feel for our educational materials? Check out a sample lesson before downloading a full toolkit!

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Do you need hard copies of our resources or books?

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About Us - EN

  • About Us
  • Our Programs
  • Leadership Team
  • Board Members and Committees
  • Supporting SCI Research
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  • Annual Reports
  • FAQ
  • Work With Us
  • Contact Us

About Rick - EN

  • About Rick
  • Rick's Story
  • Man In Motion World Tour
    • Man In Motion World Tour
    • The Dream
    • Tour Timeline
    • Tour Gallery
    • Tour Team
    • 35th Anniversary
  • Rick’s Work and Vision
  • A Conversation with Rick
  • Awards & Honours

Get Involved - EN

  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Legacy Giving
  • Fundraise
  • Help make Canada accessible

Become Accessible - EN

  • Become Accessible
  • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating Request Form
    • RHFAC FAQ
    • RHFAC v3.0
  • Professional Training
  • Ontario Complimentary Ratings
    • Ontario Complimentary Ratings
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    • Complimentary Ratings FAQ
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    • Accessibility Resources
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    • Accessibility Professional Network
    • FAQ: Accessibility Professional Network
    • Login
    • RHFAC Professional Directory
  • Post an Accessibility Job
  • BC Accessibility Grants Program
    • BC Accessibility Grants Program
    • BC Accessibility Grants Program FAQ
  • Buildings Without Barriers Challenge

Schools & Communities - EN

  • Schools and Communities
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    • School Program
    • K-8 Toolkits
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    • Our Partners
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  • Everyone Everywhere

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