What does a disability look like? Feel like? What would you do if you had one? What if you have one? Siskin Children's Institute is partnering with Hamilton Place Mall to address these questions and more with the interactive event, "Faces of Disability."
On August 2 and 3, 2008 - Tennessee's tax-free, back-to-school weekend - the Institute will host "Faces of Disability" at the Comcast Stage area inside the mall on the lower level near the Belk Women's Store. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
"With more children diagnosed with special needs than ever, we want to reach out to the community and educate people about disabilities," said Jerry Jensen, president of Siskin Children's Institute.
Children and adults can learn, ask questions and participate in hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of people with disabilities. Faces of Disability will include:
- free vision and developmental milestone screenings; a kids' educational fun station featuring interactive activities to simulate physical, visual or developmental disabilities;
- nutrition and exercise information supplied by the Institute's licensed dietician; and
- information on career and volunteer opportunities in the field of disability services.
"This is a chance to learn about disabilities, the people who have them and how everyone is more alike than different," Jensen said.
Participants in "Faces of Disability" also will receive a coupon for a discount at Belk, a sponsor of Siskin Children's Institute.