JUNCTION CITY, Ore. (KMTR) -- A special assembly at a local elementary school took place Friday, one that focused on acceptance of people with developmental disabilities.
When people are a little different than others, sometimes it's easier to turn your cheek and look the other way rather than to accept their differences and treating them the same as everyone else. That's exactly what the 'Look Me in The Eye Campaign' is focused on changing.
Individuals with developmental disabilities go about their lives in the world every day just like the rest of us. Supporters of the campaign say it's very difficult to live a happy, successful life feeling like you're ignored and invisible.
“Similar to most people that live their every day lives, if you don't feel supported, if you don't feel honored and important, that really can affect your self esteem,” says Gretchen Dubie, the Executive Director of the Oregon Supported Living Program. “It affects your self-worth to the point where you lose motivation and belief that what you do matters.”
The assembly took place at Laurel Elementary School in Junction City. Students heard from two individuals with disabilities and learned that it's important to treat every person the same way, regardless of the way they look. The school was the fourth school presentation of the campaign.
The 'Look Me In The Eye Campaign' was created a couple years ago by two agencies, The Oregon Supported Living Program and Full Access. Both groups support adults in the community living with disabilities. To learn more about the campaign, visit their website at lookmeintheeye.org.
