Category Archives: inclusive education

Anyone Can Be a Hero at Johnson Elementary

**Nick and Mrs. Morris’ 1st Grade Class**

On May 21st Nick joined Mrs. Morris’ class of 1st graders at Johnson Elementary to engage them in his “Anyone Can Be a Hero” presentation. Nick worked to show the kids that anyone can be a hero when they harness their inner superpowers, and that special abilities come in all shapes and sizes.

**Nick enjoyed demonstrating his speech device for some of the students!**

The students were respectful and engaged in learning about Nick’s message. Nick talked to the students about focusing on what they are good at and what makes them happy, and not letting failures or challenges stop them from trying.

Nick told the students about his own experiences and the unique challenges he has faced in his life and used these examples to show the students that they can do anything if they use their own superpowers.

Are they good listeners? Good at sports? Good artists? Nick encouraged the students to think about their own abilities and how they can use them to help themselves and others.

The students worked to make their own superhero masks with the help of Nick and his job coaches Liz and Audrey. Nick loved seeing the many different masks the students worked hard to create. The masks reflected the students abilities, and Nick and his job coaches helped the students create a superhero name.

**The students working on their alter egos!**

**The students made creative and unique masks that highlighted their abilities.**

Many of the students were very interested in learning more about how Nick communicates. Nick answered their questions using his speech device, PRC, while they avidly watched his screen.

**Everyone was eager to hear what Nick had to say!**

Nick was able to give the students new perspectives on abilities and what it means to be a hero in their community. And he made some new friends too.

If you or someone you know would be interested in Nick’s exciting and interactive “Anyone Can Be a Hero” presentation or any of his other engaging presentations in their classroom or gathering, contact him for more information via his email or Facebook.

Thank you to Jennifer Morris for welcoming us into her classroom and allowing us to present to her respectful group of students.

Posted in Awesome in Action, children, community events, disability awareness, Events, inclusive education, learning, Outreach, Schools, special needs, students, Uncategorized

Spread the Word to End the Word with the Scouts

May 3

Posted by AwesomeinAction

Heiman Elementary in Evans, Colorado

**The Scouts started the presentation by performing the Scout’s oath.**

On May 1st at Heiman Elementary in Evans, Colorado Nick joined a Scout Troop to share his Spread the Word to End the Word presentation!

Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign to encourage people to pledge to stop using the word “retard.” Nick believes in inclusivity and respect for people of all abilities and this presentation is one he loves to give, especially to young people, to show them the impact their words can have.

Nick even participated in the Scout’s pledge, salute and all (with just a little assistance from Job Coach Liz Laney.)

**Nick and job coach Liz participate in the Scout’s oath.**

The Scouts were a respectful and fun group, and Nick loved showing them a new way to communicate. The Scouts enjoyed learning to use Nick’s Speech device, and they loved checking out his first book, Helping in Action.

**Shaun, Troy, and Lauren check out Nick’s speech device.**

Shane and Nick check out his book, *Helping in Action*.

Nick would like to personally thank Rochelle Chapparo for inviting us to the Scout’s meeting, and helping make the event so memorable and fun! Nick would also like to thank the other parents and all of the Scouts and their siblings who attended for their enthusiasm and engagement in Nick’s presentation.