April 15, 2013
The students of the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center, which serves children with severe physical disabilities from pre-K through grade 12, participated in an elaborate pre-Earth Day celebration on April 12. It kicked off with a parade by the elementary students focusing on species, such as turtles, ospreys and manatees, which were depicted in artwork they created. Interesting facts about each were incorporated on posters displayed during the parade.
A fashion show featuring original designs by high school students created from trash was a crowd pleaser. The students showed their creativity by using everything from plastic bags and bottles to tin foil, soda can tabs and caps, to cardboard and washed out snack bags collected from the cafeteria. The designs included skirts, ties, hats, sunglasses, shirts, and even shoes! Each was described, by a fellow classmate, as it would be at a typical fashion runway show.
The day’s activities also included a demonstration featuring local marine life, a student art exhibit, and a musical performance with instruments made from recycled garbage.
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is a New York State supported 4201 school that offers parents of children with severe physical disabilities and who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option that provides rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully-enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital.
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs more than 300 professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology.