Raising Awareness

We want to share the philosophy about The Kids on the Block Puppet Program, which is, to increase sensitivity and change attitudes in children. We use the entertainment medium of puppetry, which enlightens children and adults about disability awareness, medical/educational differences, and social concerns.

Being different is a universal condition. Our aim is not merely to heighten understanding and awareness, but also to help everyone accept differences in others and themselves.

Our Kids on the Block program is committed to supplying communities with programs that will address children’s questions, concerns, and needs to create positive attitudes and behavior changes for present and future generations.

The Kids on the Block are a special troupe of disabled and non-disabled puppets. They are nearly life-size and they dress and act like real children. Like real children, each puppet has definite likes and dislikes, hopes and fears, talents and limitations. And, like real children, some have differences such as mental, physical, and emotional disabilities.

MEET OUR KIDS:
   Mark Riley, a person who has cerebral palsy
   Michael Riley, Mark’s brother who is non-disabled
   Jennifer Hauser, has a learning disability
   Renaldo Rodriquez, is blind
   Ellen Jane Peterson, is a person with Down Syndrome
   Brenda Dubrowski, is deaf
   David Franklin, has autism
   Eddie Franklin, David’s brother who is non-disabled

For more information or to schedule a free performance, contact:

The Network
P.O. Box 5030
Springfield, MO 65801-5030
417-895-7464
Email — sdasn@aol.com

Send mail to SDASN@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 12/24/06