SOJAD

SOJAD

SOCIAL JUSTICE & DISABILITY AWARENESS PROGRAM
'Breaking Down the Barriers'

the cane walkThe SOJAD program aim is to educate the community to be accepting of those with disabilities. We provide year's 7-10 students in mainstream schools with a one day program at St Edmund's to learn about and experience what it means to have a disability. Due to the building project here at St. Edmund's the SOJAD program has been taken off-site to St. Edward's Gosford for Term 1 and 2.

Our beliefs:

  • That the community needs to be educated around disability to raise levels of awareness and acceptance.
  • Considering the dignity and abilities of all involved in the program should be paramount.
  • It is important that charitable organizations and services like St. Edmund's, catering for those with disabilities, be presented in a most positive light and that their profile within the community be raised.
  • Relationships across both disability and mainstream sectors need to be fostered.
  • Opportunities need to be provided for the development of advocacy skills.

SOJAD aims:

  • To provide a wide range of experiences around understanding disability for as many senior students in a variety of mainstream schools as possible.
  • To provide opportunities for the development of meaningful relationships between St. Edmund's students and students in mainstream schools.
  • To collaborate with mainstream schools in the development of the program ensuring that it is on a mutually beneficial basis and where the creative talents of all are encouraged.
  • To provide leadership opportunities for St. Edmund's and mainstream students.
  • To promote St. Edmund's across the schools in relation to mainstream school social justice programs.

Participating students will experience a range of activities, including the following:  

  • Activities that raise awareness of what it is like to have an intellectual or learning disability.
  • Introduction to Braille, sighted guide technique and blind sports.
  • Opportunities to socialise with St. Edmund's students during class activities, recess and lunch.