OUR PROGRAM; The mission of the Disability Awareness Training Program is to educate people who do not have disabilities as to the difficulties that people with disabilities encounter in their daily living.

A paid core team of adults with disabilities demonstrates to program participants what it would be like to have a disability. This training includes hands-on activities, which include several different aspects of a disability. A variety of adaptive equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches and assistive technology is used.

Participants attempt to navigate in wheelchairs, on crutches and blindfolded to help them understand what it is like to have a disability. Program participants gain an understanding of the difficulties that people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis both physical and emotional. The team answers questions and shares from their own experiences.

The Disability Services Resource Center (DSRC), formerly known as the Bay County Society for Crippled Children and Adults is our parent organization. We believe that one of the greatest needs of people with disabilities is to be an active part of community life to the fullest extent of one's capabilities. This implies their acceptance by the community as individuals with rights and responsibilities. In order to meet this need, the DSRC developed a Disability Awareness Training Program in 1997 to help assure acceptance and understanding.

The DAT program is presented to area schools and businesses free of charge. In 2004 the Disability Awareness training program visited over 2000 children, adults & teachers.

School children learn of prejudices and hardships experienced by persons with disabilities. Employers learn that disabled workers can be productive members of their workforce. Healthcare workers learn the proper way to address and work with disabled patients. Programs are presented year-round, including summer time when daycare centers, camps and healthcare facilities are targeted.

We are committed to presenting disability education to any and all organizations requesting the program. We will evaluate our success by the number of persons who experience disability education without interruption.

The Disability Awareness Training Program is a very active part of the community and provides many opportunities for area children and adults to learn more about physical and mental disabilities.

As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, we assist Bay County residents and their families in finding and making effective use of available resources related to their disability. Founded in 1933, the organization strives to help individuals with disabilities become accepted members of their community to the fullest extent of their capabilities.