• Foster Empathy: Students will learn about different abilities, challenges, and the incredible resilience and strength of individuals who navigate them daily. Empathy is a 21st century skill and awareness is the foundation. Through empathy, we can create a more compassionate community.
• Empower Individuals: We celebrate the talents, skills, and achievements of people with disability and neurodiversity. We embrace these unique perspectives and empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to our community's growth.
• Build Bridges and Connections: We encourage meaningful interactions between individuals of all abilities. We appreciate the chance to bridge gaps, break down barriers, and create authentic and lasting friendships that enrich our lives.

DAAW Activities
During Diverse Abilities Awareness Week, OIS students participate in activities designed to increase their awareness, understanding, and compassion. Our 8th grade WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) and Leadership students visit classrooms to give an overview of the week and explain an aspect of the program, such as highlighting heroes with differences or detailing the eligibility categories of IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education Act). In science and PE classes, students engage in lessons that explore other aspects that are selected by the DAAW committee on an annual basis. Our special education teachers and support staff contribute to the learning, and our student broadcast, KOIS, produces content designed to educate our community about topics that are germane.