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National Ability Awareness Month
Happy National Ability Awareness Month!
Nope, not a typo! Nick and the AiA team call this National Ability Awareness Month. There was a day when Nick explained that he did not think of his wheelchair as a disability. His flaming wheels are the only moving legs he has ever known. He feels disabled only when the chair battery dies!
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) says, “Our goal for this month is to create awareness about developmental disabilities, tell stories of people who live with a disability and show their lives.” Nick shares this goal.
You can find Nick’s story in a variety of places and through a variety of means. Born in the East African country of Ethiopia, Nick highlights his childhood years with stories of great adventure, meaning and heroics through his books for children.
Nick would like everyone to feel that they are a “good you” (In Nick’s words).
Want to hear more of his words?
Contact Nick for a special presentation today! Let’s help everyone see how able we all can be!
33 Third Graders “Walk In My Shoes” at Stansberry Elementary School
Jan. 15, 2015 A Big Thank You to Mrs. Bush and her 3rd grade class at
Stansberry Elementary School in Loveland, Colorado
Nick Roussos presented “Walk in My Shoes”, his disability awareness workshop, to 33 eager and active 3rd graders. Nick, and assistants Audrey and Sue, had a great time interacting with the students as they learned how to use a wheelchair and try out a communication device. We also had a discussion about Disability Etiquette which is: Good manners in our actions and speech with people who have a disability. This was a large class, but they were very respectful and attentive. Thank you for being such great participants!
Nick told them, “I hope that I can open your eyes today, and give you a perspective on what a person who is differently abled can achieve. Remember, people with special needs are just the same as you. Everyone has something that makes them feel different than others; shyness, clumsy or uncoordinated, too tall, too short, too thin, too heavy, language differences, color of skin, etc. We shouldn’t treat anyone different than we would like to be treated.
The words and actions you chose can really affect the people who hear them. We all live in one community, one world, and we can make it better for everyone if we show each other the same amount of respect that we expect for ourselves and our loved ones.
I challenge you to leave here with a new perspective that is two fold; first, do not limit yourself. You are capable of amazing and great things- nothing can stop you from pursuing your dreams. And second, do not place limitations on others especially those who are differently abled. When allowed to soar, you will be surprised how far a person, even one faced with great challenges such as myself, can go.
Remember Life is Awesome!”
Nick Roussos is the author of Helping in Action, a children’s adventure based on his childhood as a boy with cerebral palsy, growing up in Africa. He conducts workshops, in Northern Colorado, for any age group on the topics of disability awareness, anti-bullying, and self-esteem. Please email with interest in a presentation at your school or service organization!: nick@totalspeed.com
Awesome in Action, Co 