By Gloria Niec - Schott Communities for Persons who are Deaf or Disabled

Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO

Students from Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic School in Miami learn sign language during the Schott Center's presentation of Welcome to My World during Catholic Schools Week.

MIAMI � Students from Mother of Our Redeemer School got a hands-on lesson in the difficulties and challenges of living as a person with disabilities during the Schott Center�s presentation of Welcome to My World at the school Feb. 3.

As part of Catholic Schools, members of the Schott staff, volunteers and faculty spent nearly two hours leading the children from grades four through seven in various activities that simulated hearing loss, learning issues, physical mobility impairments, speech impediments and other disabilities.

One of the 10 stations included blindfolding the children and, using partners and a walking stick, having them find the water fountain to get a drink of water. Avoiding collisions with chairs, walls, and other students was a challenge, but they all completed the task. Unanimously they observed, �That was hard. It was scary not to be able to see.�

Evelyn Salinas, principal, told the students of her involvement with Schott Communities when she was a volunteer who helped the disabled clients.

Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO

Students from Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic School in Miami attempt to wrap a present without the use of their hands during the Schott Center's presentation of Welcome to My World.

�We have a responsibility to teach our children that while we are all blessed in his name, some have physical and developmental challenges,� said Salinas. �It is our duty to respect those challenges and treat each other with care as we would like to be treated.�

One of the students commented, �This is a great program that really helps you to step into the shoes of people with disabilities.� Another said, �This helps me to understand how it feels to have a disability.�

Welcome to My World is available for school groups or businesses. The Schott Center provides all materials and there is a moderate charge for the program.

The program can be held on location or at the Schott Center�s facilities on Flamingo Road in Cooper City. For more information, call 954-434-3306 or visit www.schottcommunities.org.