Understanding and celebrating people with disability
People with disability still face stigma and social barriers that affect their ability to engage fully in their communities. This lesson supports students to empathise with, understand and celebrate people with disability by focusing on Dylan Alcott, the 2022 Australian of the Year. Students also reflect on the identities and experiences of people with disability, and on the importance of recognising and promoting their achievements in public life. While this lesson can be taught at any time, it is a great resource to use for International Day of People with Disability (December 3).
Year level
7-8
Duration
60 minutes
Type
In class activity
Online learning
SEL Competencies
Social awareness
Learning intention
Using the example of Dylan Alcott, who received the 2022 Australian of the Year award, students learn why it’s important to recognise the achievements and contributions to our communities of people with disability, and reflect on factors that shape the identities and experiences of people with disability.
Key outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
identify the achievements of Dylan Alcott, 2022 Australian of the Year
celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability
recognise the importance of celebrating the achievements of people with disability in public life
reflect on factors that shape the identities of people with disability.
Materials needed
Worksheet: Dylan Alcott – Australian of the Year 2022
Whiteboard and whiteboard markers
Students’ workbooks
Digital whiteboard/screen to play video
Mapped to
Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education
Analyse and reflect on the influence of values and beliefs on the development of identities (AC9HP8P01)
Investigate how media and influential people impact attitudes, beliefs, decisions and behaviours in relation to health, safety, relationships and wellbeing (AC9HP8P09)
Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities
Personal and Social Capability:
Social awareness
Literacy:
Reading and viewing
Writing
NSW PDHPE Syllabus
Investigates effective strategies to promote inclusivity, equality and respectful relationships (PD4-3)
Victorian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education
Examine the benefits to individuals and communities of valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity (VCHPEP132)
Activity 1
KWL chart: Know, Want to Know, Learnt
10 minutes
Draw a KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learnt) chart on a shared space, such as the whiteboard or digital equivalent.
Students volunteer to fill out on the board what they already know and want to know about Dylan Alcott and/or the Australian of the Year awards.
Activity 2
Worksheet: Dylan Alcott - Australian of the Year 2022
10 minutes
Hand out the worksheet, Dylan Alcott – Australian of the Year 2022.
Students read the worksheet out loud and discuss any information they find interesting.
Students complete the ‘L’ section of the KWL chart, noting what they have learnt from the worksheet.
Activity 3
Comprehension: Mild, medium, hot
25 minutes
As a class, watch the ABC News video Athlete, advocate, author Dylan Alcott named Australian of the Year for 2022.
In their workbooks, students choose whether to complete the mild, medium or hot challenging questions relating to the worksheet Dylan Alcott – Australian of the Year 2022.
Note: These questions support differentiation for students with diverse learning needs, as well as promote student choice.
MILD
True or False: Dylan Alcott was born with his disability.
True or False: Dylan hated being in a wheelchair because he didn’t see anyone like him in the mainstream media.
Dylan is the first male in history to win the Golden Slam in which sport?
MEDIUM
List the sports Dylan Alcott has succeeded in.
What is the name of Australia’s first inclusive, fully accessible music festival, which Dylan created?
What support does Dylan’s foundation give to people with disability?
HOT
List the three main reasons you think Dylan Alcott has been named 2022 Australian of the Year.
Explain why it’s important for people with disability to have positive role models to look up to.
Extension activity: Students can google and research other important Australian figures with a disability who have made an impact. Examples include Stella Young, Carly Findlay, Nas Campanella, Jordan Steele-John, Kurt Fearnley and Madeline Stuart.
Activity 4
Class discussion: Reflecting on identity and inclusivity
15 minutes
In pairs, have students discuss the following questions:
How might recognising Dylan Alcott’s achievements in public life positively shape the identities of young people with disability?
What are the benefits to the community of being inclusive and respectful of people with disability?
Can you think of other ways to promote the inclusivity and achievements of people with disability?
Ask pairs to share their answers with the rest of the class.
Debrief: Reflecting on the experiences and achievements of people with disability helps students to build empathy, respect and understanding of diversity and inclusivity in the community. To learn more about disability and the diverse experiences of people with disability, you can suggest students visit the International Day of People with Disability website.
