General News
24 March, 2026
Wyche students learning about all abilities
The program is designed to help able-bodied children understand how others with a disability manage and feel.
SCHOOL students have now learned the true meaning of inclusivity of all kinds thanks to a recent interactive session.
On March 10, Mallee Sports Assembly-Wycheproof project officer Rhonda Allan conducted a Disability Awareness session for the Grade 2/3/4 students of the Wycheproof P-12 College.
The program which is designed to help able-bodied children understand how others with a disability manage and feel.
The sessions are very interactive and involve fun and challenging activities,” Mrs Allan said.
The session started with a quick discussion on what is a disability and how some-one may acquire one.
“There are several reasons why people may have adisability,” Mrs Allan said.
“You may born with one, through disease or maybe a car accident to name a couple.”
Following the class discussion the students were paired up and one had to be the “buddy” of the other who was given “mocked” disabilities.
“A lot of trust was involved, especially if the person was given the “mocked “disability of loss of sight,” Mrs Allan said.
The “mocked disabilities” included things such as their arms put in slings, wearing a sock on your arm/leg to pretend it was missing, putting cotton wool in their ears, being blind folded/ wearing vision impaired goggles and riding around in a wheelchair. “Just moving from one place to another can be a barrier that one would face if they had a disability, but luckily the Wycheproof P-12 College is very accessible,” Mrs Allan said.
A passing the ball exercise, where the able-bodied students had to assist their friend with a “disability” to participate.
The game was modified which allowed all, no matter what their disability was, to be included and participate.
“Good communication amongst the participants is also valuable for this activity,” Mrs Allan said.
This was followed by using a “bell-ball” which is specifically ideal for the visually impaired so they can hear when the ball was coming.
Students returned to the classroom for open discussions in relation to the difficulties and barriers one would face having a disability. Mrs Allan informed the children about some of the facilities and aids available to assist people with their independency
This included raised footpaths for the blind, braille on ATM buttons, ramps for easy access and modified sport (such as the paralympics) for increased participation and inclusion.
She also told real life stories of people of the achievements of people with a disability.
“You always look at what a person “can do” not what they “can’t do”,” Mrs Allan said. “This was a fun session with a very meaningful message.”
This is an initiative of the “Access for All Abilities” program funded by the State Government, under the Sport and Recreation of Victoria which focuses on inclusive sport and recreation.
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