How to Prepare For Workshops
Required Space and Equipment
- Multi-purpose room/library/2 empty classrooms to conduct the Activity stations
- 1 classroom/library for speaker session (rooms have to be wheelchair accessible and preferably close to restrooms)
- 2 TVs, DVD players/projector and screen/Smart boards for activity station room and speaker room
- 2 cafeteria style (or comparable) tables which seat 10-15 students, one for the Braille exercise and one for Invisible Disability
- 2 tables (6-8 feet long) are needed for display of prosthetic devices
- Chairs for teachers and guests
- Trailer unloading area
Estimate the Cost
Please provide the program coordinator with the following information to determine the number of workshops and cost:
- Participating grade
- Classes per grade
- Student count per class, and total student count for participating grade
This is how the Program Works
Option 1 – If student count was less than 105 in a particular grade (2 workshops)
If you had 80 students in 4th grade for example, we would divide them into two equal groups: Group A – 40 and Group B – 40. At the start of the workshop, one group of students would begin in a large room such as your multipurpose room or library to participate in the activity portion of our workshop. The other group would start in a classroom with our speakers, who are volunteers who have disabilities and share their insight and experiences with your students. After approximately 1.5 hours, the groups would switch places, with those who heard the speakers moving in to do the activities, and those who did the activities moving to hear the speakers. So each child would be busy with us for approximately 3 hours. We usually start the program close to the morning bell. We can work with your bell schedule. Sample given below:
Activities/Speakers
9:00-10:30 Group A/Group B
10:35-12:05 Group B/Group A
Option 2 – If student count in a particular grade was 105 -135 ( 3 workshops)
A total of 135 students can be involved in a full day workshop. Three hours in the morning, followed by 1.5 hours in the afternoon with a half hour break. The 135 students would be divided into 3 equal groups and rotated through both parts of the program. With three groups of students, one group will have a time slot where they are not involved with ATOU. Sample time schedule below:
Activities/Speakers/Uninvolved
8:45-10:15 Group A/Group B/Group C
10:30-12:00 Group C/Group A/Group B
12:40-2:10 Group B/Group C/Group A