Teaching kids about the culture of disability, inclusion

By Sharon Stevens

KSDK -- It's one of the few projects of its kind in the nation. "The DisAbility Project" is aimed at teaching people about the culture of disabilities and inclusion.

The "DisAbility Project," created 14 years ago in St. Louis, is produced by the Uppity Theatre Company, so you know it's going to be in your face. Joan Lipkin is the co-founder of the project.

More than 400 students, teachers and parents filled the auditorium at the St. Louis Art Museum to see the play. The Uppity Theatre Company actors are a mixture of those with disabilities and those without. Some were in wheelchairs; others were standing.

The audience comes from public and private schools across the area, including St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf.

This is a traveling production and Lipkin says they reach people by moving around to different venues that might not otherwise see the production or get the message.

The idea was to use contemporary themes like music and even dance and especially, interactive role playing.

The Art Museum is also a partner in this package; they paid for the buses that delivered some of the students to Wednesday's play.

For more information about the DisAbility Project, dial 314-995-4600 or visit www.uppityco.com.