To Be Like Me

To Be Like Me (TBLM) is a new, innovative disability awareness program, currently targeted to school aged children, that aims to build more inclusive communities through education and purposeful interactions. “Leaders” are individuals employed by TBLM who are living with a disability or difference themselves. TBLM’s innovation allows for the education and interactions that will affect change to be provided by these Leaders. Stories are shared and questions are encouraged. A focus on 3 different areas of empathy also contributes to the innovative approach. Cognitive empathy is addressed by educating participants about the anatomical differences and characteristics of various disabilities. Emotional empathy is addressed by hearing the stories of those with disabilities and seeing a different perspective in common environments. Compassionate empathy is fostered by equipping participants to know how to respond, help, or interact appropriately with people who have a disability. Curriculum is provided for teachers to utilize in the classroom setting to both prepare students for the program interactions and to reinforce the lessons learned. TBLM provides education about a broader spectrum of disabilities/differences than other programs. By targeting young children about the unique abilities of others and promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation, TBLM helps to build a generation who will see that differences have the power to bring us together.