Generally speaking, April is a time of many rain showers, and a chance to look forward to warmer weather. For the Special Needs Parents, Educators and Kids, also known as SPEAK, April is a very important time to bring awareness and tolerance to schools in Voorhees.
From April 6–13, public schools district-wide commemorated Abilities Awareness Week with SPEAK to explain to students that everyone has their own path and different methods of learning.
“We have noticed an increase in tolerance and even acceptance of students with disabilities in the general student population, and we are hopeful that this change, however gradual, is attributable to Abilities Awareness Week,” SPEAK Voorhees President Elena Luzi said.
Throughout the week, parents of special needs children provided presentations to seniors at Eastern Regional High School. Exhibitors visited Voorhees Middle School to provide insight on living with disabilities to students who may have never pondered what it is like to learn differently.
Voorhees elementary schools held a poster contest for students to express what they learned during Abilities Awareness Week, and SPEAK has yet to determine the winner, but plans to do so in the near future.
“We hold a poster contest and award prizes to the overall winners. We will be posting some of the very inspiring messages that came out of the contest this year,” Luzi said.
The informative week was topped off by SPEAK’s 5K Run and 1 Mile Run/Walk/Wheel on April 12, which was open to all Voorhees families. Luzi said other members of SPEAK enjoyed seeing the interaction the event brought between students of different learning backgrounds, as SPEAK hopes to achieve with all its events.
“SPEAK events are open to everyone … children benefit greatly from spending time with their typical peers,” Luzi said. “The friendships and bonds that are developed from the social events are truly priceless.”
Until next year’s Ability Awareness Week, there are many upcoming activities and ways that SPEAK is increasing knowledge and tolerance in schools.
The group has programs recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month. There will also be a large-scale event on June 6 known as SPEAK’s Gala.
The gala will occur for the third year in a row, at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin. However, it will not be as formal as it has in past years.
“We are taking a departure this year from a formal event to bring an ‘Island Adventure’ to our attendees. It is a more casual event with Island attire encouraged,” Luzi said.
Luzi is hoping the fun-filled gala, which will include live entertainment and a basket auction, will attract a bigger, more diversified crowd.
“We are hoping to attract a broader audience with our casual approach, and a special needs connection is not required for attendance,” Luzi emphasized.
To date, about 100 parents and educators are involved with SPEAK and programs like the gala. Up to 40 children have participated in any given program the group has presented, since it was formed in March 2009.
The group has high hopes of future expansion.
“We would like to continue our community outreach and collaborate more with families and the Voorhees School District, to become a true resource for all. We want to encourage families to bring us their ideas and concerns so that we can continue grow as an organization and serve the special needs community,” Luzi said.
For parents and volunteers just learning about SPEAK, there are many ways to participate.
“We have many opportunities to get involved throughout the year,” Luzi said.
Luzi mentioned the best ways to get involved with SPEAK are to sign up to be on the newsletter distribution list through the official website, www.southjerseyspeak.org, or send an email to speak@southjerseyspeak.org. Through these means, tickets for the gala event and other resources are also available.
