Teaching students about disabilities decreases bullying in schools
Teaching students about disabilities in school is proven to decrease bullying and encourage positive perceptions and behaviours, according to a new Canadian survey of teachers, principals and school boards.
Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms, conducted a pro-bono assessment and survey of close to 200 education professionals currently involved with the Rick Hansen School Program. The program offers a free toolkit of lesson plans, resources and activities that teaches students about disabilities, acceptance and inclusion.
“Whether a victim is disabled or able bodied, it is unacceptable for any child to be the subject of physical and emotional abuse, torment and embarrassment at school,” says Rick Hansen, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “Teaching children about acceptance and differences improves classroom dynamics and benefits all students.”
The program is generously supported by a $1 million donation from Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects, allowing more students than ever to benefit from the program.
“We are thrilled to support a program that has such a real impact on children and youth. Empowering the next generation to be kind, accepting and inclusive is critical to solve the problem of bullying in our schools,” says Cheryl Treliving, Executive Director of the Boston Pizza Foundation.
The Deloitte survey found that respondents not only reported a decrease in bullying after using the program, but several other positive results as well including increased willingness to help others and initiatives to improve the classroom, school and community.
Key findings:
Bullying facts:
At least one in three students in Canada report being bullied, according to Public Safety Canada, who says that bullying can cause depression, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, physical harm and even suicide. Victims may also lose interest in school activities, miss classes and get lower grades.
Research suggests that children and youth with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of being bullied or socially excluded by their nondisabled peers.
The Rick Hansen School Program provides teachers across Canada with free, easy to use resources that tie into provincial curricula.
It supports teachers to raise student awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, and empowers students to create accessible communities.
It includes engaging lesson plans, activities, videos, speakers, online content, books, presentations and posters, which build on Rick Hansen’s unique story to bring the issue of disability to life for students.
These resources have been used in more than 2,500 schools across Canada.
Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms, conducted a pro-bono assessment and survey of close to 200 education professionals currently involved with the Rick Hansen School Program. The program offers a free toolkit of lesson plans, resources and activities that teaches students about disabilities, acceptance and inclusion.
“Whether a victim is disabled or able bodied, it is unacceptable for any child to be the subject of physical and emotional abuse, torment and embarrassment at school,” says Rick Hansen, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “Teaching children about acceptance and differences improves classroom dynamics and benefits all students.”
The program is generously supported by a $1 million donation from Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects, allowing more students than ever to benefit from the program.
“We are thrilled to support a program that has such a real impact on children and youth. Empowering the next generation to be kind, accepting and inclusive is critical to solve the problem of bullying in our schools,” says Cheryl Treliving, Executive Director of the Boston Pizza Foundation.
The Deloitte survey found that respondents not only reported a decrease in bullying after using the program, but several other positive results as well including increased willingness to help others and initiatives to improve the classroom, school and community.
Key findings:
- 100% of respondents said they saw a positive change in student perceptions and willingness to interact with people with disabilities after introducing the program.
- 90% of principals agreed that empowering students to create positive changes in their communities is top priority for their schools.
- 85% of respondents said they noticed an improvement in student attitudes and perceptions of disabilities as a result of the program.
- More than 70% of teachers agreed that participation in the School Program has resulted in:
- Decreased bullying in the classroom
- Student initiative to improve the classroom, school and/or community
- Increase volunteerism
- Student belief that they can be difference makers
Bullying facts:
At least one in three students in Canada report being bullied, according to Public Safety Canada, who says that bullying can cause depression, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, physical harm and even suicide. Victims may also lose interest in school activities, miss classes and get lower grades.
Research suggests that children and youth with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of being bullied or socially excluded by their nondisabled peers.
The Rick Hansen School Program provides teachers across Canada with free, easy to use resources that tie into provincial curricula.
It supports teachers to raise student awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, and empowers students to create accessible communities.
It includes engaging lesson plans, activities, videos, speakers, online content, books, presentations and posters, which build on Rick Hansen’s unique story to bring the issue of disability to life for students.
These resources have been used in more than 2,500 schools across Canada.
