In an innovative approach to fostering understanding and inclusion, Blackman and Gollop Primary School transformed its school hall into a vibrant classroom filled with curiosity and laughter. On Wednesday, a puppet show organized by the Kiwanis Club Pride of Barbados and the Barbados Council for the Disabled helped young students grasp the realities of living with cerebral palsy. Using colorful puppets and engaging storytelling, the event aimed to educate children about disabilities in a relatable and accessible way. Roseanna Tudor, Operations Manager of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, emphasized the importance of early awareness. ‘Our puppetry programme, part of Disability Awareness Day celebrations, has been instrumental in teaching primary school and nursery children how to interact with and understand their peers with disabilities,’ she explained. Tudor also highlighted the need for teacher training to support inclusive education, stressing the necessity of sensory rooms, calm spaces, and resources for children with ADHD or autism. The puppet show featured Carl, a character with cerebral palsy, whose story illustrated the challenges of movement and coordination. Puppeteers like Joy-Ann Grazette-Corbin addressed students’ questions, showcasing how children with disabilities can thrive with proper support. Sheldene Williams, a teacher at the school, shared her experience of having a student with cerebral palsy in her class, noting how inclusion has enriched the learning environment. ‘Through Isabelle, our students are learning that everyone, regardless of ability, has something valuable to contribute,’ she said. The Barbados Council for the Disabled plans to expand the puppetry programme to more schools, building on the overwhelmingly positive response from this event.
