Kids ' on the Block'
Program teaches youths about classmates with disabilities
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Puppeteer Doug Platt gets ready for his skit using the puppet "Renaldo" during a Kids on the Block special at Maplemere Elementary School. Photo by John Rusac

''People Inc.'s "Kids on the Block" program teaches

youths about classmates and others with disabilities.

The program is an internationally acclaimed disability awareness program that educates children about people with disabilities and the acceptance of differences through the use of puppet theater.

The Japanese style of puppetry used is called Bunraku and is effective in creating an atmosphere where children feel comfortable asking questions.

Performances encourage children to see people with disabilities from a new perspective, as other children with strengths and weaknesses just like themselves.

The troupe travels to schools in Western New York, performing three scenarios involving children with vision impairment, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy as they interact with kids with no disability.

Each skit is 10 minutes long and demonstrates that children can be friends with a person who has a disability, said project coordinator Brie Hofschneider.

Brie Hofschneider introduces the character "Mark Riley" to Rachel Mussachio and Nick Scully, both third graders at Maplemere Elementary School.

According to People Inc.'s Web site, one of the puppets, Renaldo Rodriguez, is 11 years old and attends his neighborhood school, Woodburn Elementary. He is blind, but explains that not all babies born prematurely, like him, are blind. However, he is just a regular kid. He loves sports and playing checkers with his brother.

Character Ellen Jane Peterson is a 17-year-old who has Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a developmental disability that usually causes delays in physical and intellectual development, but children with the disability have a wide range of cognitive abilities, the Web site stated.

Ellen Jane demonstrates that having Down syndrome means that it takes her a longer time to learn things, but there are lots of things she can do. She loves animals, and works at a local animal hospital. Ellen Jane likes art, swimming, and bowling. She has an older sister and younger brother, and lives with her parents for now. Someday she would like to live in a place of her own.

Puppet Brenda Dubrowski is a lively 11-year-old who loves to be the center of attention. Brenda is curious and sometimes confused about the differences between people, but she is eager to learn. Brenda asks questions, and by doing so, learns about the other Kids on the Block, the Web site stated.

Character Melody James is also 11 and understands frustration - she has four brothers. They tickle her, tease her, and give her "nicknames." Melody is outgoing, friendly, and sensitive to others and enjoys roller-skating and ballet lessons.

The original puppet, Mark Riley, is 11 and in fifth grade. Mark has cerebral palsy, a developmental disability that affects his ability to control movement. The muscles in Mark's mouth, hands and legs are affected. Mark's problems with muscle tone, which refers to the stretch and resistance of muscles, makes him unable to walk. He uses his "cruiser" (don't call it a wheelchair) to get around, and he loves the freedom it gives him. Mark has a great sense of humor and lots of friends. He has an optimistic outlook on life and explains, "I'm a regular kid, and I like it when people treat me like one," according to People Inc.'s Web site.

All puppeteers are trained on how to move the puppet and use voice inflections to accurately portray how a child with one of these disabilities would speak.

At the end of the performances, students in the audience can raise their hands and ask questions about what they just learned.

"Everyone is different," Hofschneider said. "And different should be celebrated."

Kids on the Block is part of the Museum of DisABILITY history and portrays "The world not as it is, but as it should be," said Hofschneider.

For more information or to book Kids on the Block, visit www.peo p l e - i n c . o rg .

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com