During March, individuals who participate in SKILLS, Inc.’s community support programs visited local elementary schools to read aloud and converse with students. These visits were made to foster community connections during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Visiting Somerset Elementary School in Hartland to read the book “A Dog and His Boy” to students are, from left, Wayne Saunders, John Murphy, Tammy Fletcher and Shauna Auger. Submitted photo
Students at Etna-Dixmont School in Etna and Somerset Elementary School in Hartland heard the book “A Dog and His Boy” read aloud by SKILLS participants. Written by Maine authors Heidi Bullen and Lisa Wentzell, the book tells the story of a boy with developmental disabilities and his journey towards acceptance and inclusion, according to a news release from SKILLS, Inc., based in Saint Albans.
Following the reading, individuals from SKILLS answered questions from students about living a complete life with an intellectual disability.
Anna Maria Cassidy reads “A Dog and His Boy” to the fourth grade class at Etna-Dixmont School in Etna. Submitted photo
“The visits to Etna-Dixmont and Somerset Elementary were a great success, and everyone enjoyed their time with the students and teachers at these schools. These types of community connections are essential for sharing the message that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities want the same things from life as everyone else,” said Pam Erskine, director of Program Services at SKILLS.
Teachers interested in arranging a school visit from SKILLS can contact Pam Erskine at 207-938-0210 or perskine@skillsinc.net.
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