NYS Assemblyman Paul Tonko joins seventh graders during their recent visit to the state capital during NYS Assembly Legislative Disability Awareness Day.

Seventh Graders Explore Disabilities Awareness Activities

Throughout the week of May 16th, Canajoharie's seventh grade students participated in a number of Disability Awareness activities.

On Wednesday May 18th, the students traveled to Albany for NYS Assembly Legislative Disability Awareness Day. They listened as a number of assemblymen spoke in support of the rights of people with disabilities. They visited over fifty displays in the Capital Building featuring everything from accessible voting booths to alternative communication systems. Finally, they experienced the legislature in action as they watched a "citizens with disabilities" bill go to the Assembly floor.

Canajoharie middle schoolers learned about equipment and services available to people with disabilities from displays in the New York State Capital Building.

On Thursday, May 19th, the students participated in a number of activities at the Middle School. Eric Wallaber from the Public Relations Department of the Capital Region Special Olympics discussed the Special Olympics and the need for volunteers. In another session, they learned about cochlear implants and what it means to be deaf or hearing impaired in our school district.

Middle School Student Council president Dane O'Neil poses with Ed Sayer, a young man combating Cystic Fibrosis.

They also met Ed Sayer, a young man who as a young boy was diagnosed with the respiratory disease Cystic Fibrosis. Mr. Sayer is the childhood friend of Canajoharie Swim Coach, Marc Vachon. Beginning in seventh grade through their college years, the two swam together. Mr. Sayer's illness has progressed to the point where he is no longer able to swim. In honor of his friend, Mr. Vachon walked in the Cystic Fibrosis Walk on Saturday, May 21st  at The Crossings in Colonie. The entire school pitched in to show its support. The seventh graders raised $125 in a change drive; the Middle School Student Council contributed $100 and district teachers contributed an additional $500.

"Everyone was so generous; they were overwhelmingly nice," said Mr. Vachon.

But, for students, that generosity hardly seemed adequate after having met Mr. Sayer.

"I wish we could have given more," commented seventh-grader Laura Williams in response to change drive results.

Seventh grade volunteers helped as Canajoharie hosted the local Special Olympics on May 21st.

Also on Saturday, students volunteered at the Special Olympics held at the high school. They helped with the many indoor and outdoor events. According to the event coordinator, this was the greatest number of student volunteers to participate in our local event. Although organizers were pleased the level of student support, it was often the student volunteers who seemed to most benefit from the day.

"I didn't realize that the Special Olympics was this much fun. When can we do it again?" asked seventh grader Larry Flinton.

Seventh grade special education teacher Tammy Dingman briefly summed up the week's events by stating simply,  "Our students just continue to amaze me. Their level of compassion and empathy for people with disabilities is truly heart warming."