Pennsylvania and United Robotics Program Are Bringing Students With and Without Disabilities Together: By Jason Hahr

 The emphasis on science and technology is more critical than ever before. The earlier children are exposed to science and technology, the more likely they are to develop a love for it later in life. However, in my experience, if you are a student with a disability, there is a lot less emphasis placed on these subjects. Late last year, the state of Pennsylvania joined an ongoing effort to bring students with and without disabilities together in a new way.

Thanks to Andrew Fee, the vice president of strategic partnerships for Pennsylvania Special Olympics, students in Western PA not only got the chance to build cool robots but also worked together to create a robot with a student with a disability. According to an article published last September by Disability Scoop, which I will link at the bottom of this post, several counties in western Pennsylvania participated in a robotics program developed by Unified Robotics.

The program partnered students in science and technology classes with disabled students. Its goal was for its students to create a robot whose goal was to score the most points by throwing a ball towards a goal. As stated above, the program started last September and lasted until December 13th, culminating in a competition.

According to participants in the program, it was not only a learning experience for the students with disabilities but also a learning opportunity for their able-bodied counterparts. Most of the disabled students in the program are on the Autism spectrum, so it allowed them to develop communication skills and presented opportunities for social development while, in the words of Mr. Fee, creating a new mindset of “abilities versus disabilities.”

Although technically, I am not on the Autism spectrum, I believe my disability comes with secondary disabilities, which manifest themselves in ways quite similar to someone with Autism. I am very routine-oriented and tend to obsess about certain things throughout my day. It is nice that Pennsylvania schools are joining with several other states to put ability first rather than disability. Anybody who has read my blog knows that I am not a “woke” person; however, it is refreshing to see that in some aspects of society, the able-bodied community is engaging with those of us in the voiceless minority.

I believe the younger we start looking at what people have to offer rather than looking at what they can’t do, the better. I want to use a line from a song from eons ago, and forgive me if I misquote it, but “the children are our future.” I’ve written several blogs about how I don’t mind when children are curious and ask me questions. Finally, I believe we are learning the earlier that we know about “disabilities,” the less ignorance we will face as adults.

Anyway, thanks for your support of The Voiceless Minority over the last twelve years. Maybe in another twelve, I won’t need to blog anymore. One can hope. Until next time.

Jay

 

Related Articles:

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/10/03/unified-robotics-program-promotes-inclusivity/31096/