The Acton Commission on Disabilities (COD), now in its 36th year, was made a Commission by state law in 1987. The first group of seven members got to work right away. All agreed on parking as the first issue we would address. We did! And we have been working ever since to make life better for all those with a disability:from parking to accessible sidewalks, easy-open doors, wide aisles, and people who can see the person as any other and treat accordingly. It is about access, awareness, and acceptance.
Dealing with adults who already had their views and prejudices was difficult at times, but our members were dedicated and tireless. This involved them and their children, their whole families, and everyday life.
I could now write a long article, or two or three, about our experiences on the COD back then, but I want to zero in on the young people. Before their prejudices form, we need to reach them and help them understand. We found a program, Kids on the Block Puppets that was and is a fantastic way to help our children (and some adults) how to better understand a disability.
We purchased many puppets – one uses a wheelchair, one is blind, one uses crutches—and they all have a friend they talk with. We presented shows to school groups. The best learning came when the brief show was over and the children had time to ask questions. Their questions were right on the issues; children do that! We answered all their questions and, if there were more after we left, the children wrote them down and the teacher would pass them on to us.
We began by training adults to perform with the puppets, and it was a successful program. Later, we tried with high school volunteers. This helped two-fold as it taught the older group as well as the young.
In the last couple of years, the COD has pulled the puppets out of storage and found some high school students to practice and perform with them—first, at Oktoberfest in spring of 2021, then at the Kelley’s Corner Block Party hosted by Acton’s Economic Development and Recreation departments in September of 2022.
However, the scripts are now old and we need help updating them—from teachers, students, people with a disability or understanding (as a family member or caregiver), or members of local organizations.
We have these wonderful puppets and would like to use them to help others. Please contact the Acton Commission on Disabilities, cod@actonma.gov or call the Town Manager’s office at (978) 929-6611 to offer your creative skills. Thank you.
