A person's attitudes, outlooks and prejudices are often formed early in life.

As an independent living center, one part of what we do here at Options for Independence is to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. We deal with the problems and barriers that they encounter today.

The other part of our mission is staking a claim to the kind of world we want to live in. We work hard to help shape the hearts of the community so that the stigma attached to being a person with a disability goes away. We try to prevent the next generation from continuing to put up barriers and misconceptions against people with disabilities.

One of the most exciting ways we achieve this goal is through our “Kids on the Block” program. This show is an internationally acclaimed program for teaching children about people with disabilities.

Options brings this program to Cayuga County through a grant from the United Way.

The presentation features puppeteers Donna Sardella and Cindy Gonsiewski. The duo dons black clothing, and perform in front of a black screen. They fade into the background as they bring the puppets to life.

Unlike the monsters and animals of Sesame Street, these puppets represent normal children.

Kids on the Block features specially designed characters to raise awareness among young children about people with disabilities. Options currently uses a puppet to explain Deafness (Mandy), Blindness (Renaldo), Cerebral Palsy (Mark), Developmental Disability (Ellen Jane), a Learning Disability (Jennifer) and what its like to be the friend of someone with a disability (Brenda) and the sibling of someone with a disability (Michael).

The show is not just a presentation. It fosters an important dialogue.

After each performance, the children in attendance are able to ask questions about what it is like to have a particular disability. Often this is a time where children can ask the puppet-characters about what each can do. They discover common interests and hobbies. The children learn that we are all the same regardless of disability.

This is a great lesson for kids without disabilities to learn.

Almost as importantly, children with disabilities learn life lessons too. They learn that children with disabilities have no reason to be ashamed of their disability. They learn that their disability is no barrier to fitting in with their peers.

Options has brought Kids on the Block to events and places throughout Cayuga County including Camp Columbus, Neighborhood House, area elementary schools and daycare centers. It is used extensively by school districts as part of their character education curriculum on acceptance and diversity.

The program is ideal for elementary age children, particularly in the kindergarten to first grade range.

Performances are always free. For more information on “Kids on the Block” or to schedule a program, please contact Sara Douglass at 255-3447.

Collin M. Sullivan is the ADA/access advocate for Options for Independence.