The Kids on the Block of Western New York

• About the Program
• Our Curriculum
• Meet the Kids
• Meet the Puppeteers
• Book a Performance

Curricula Currently Presented

Each one-hour Kids on the Block performance incorporates three of the following scripts. In between each scripted performance, we have a question & answer period which allows children to ask the puppets questions about the disabilities we are presenting. By offering more curricula we allow schools to select a program that is most appropriate for their audience.

Visual Impairments

“Secret Code”

Brenda Dubrowski has lost an important letter that she was supposed to bring home from school. She asks for help from a classmate named Renaldo Rodriguez. Brenda doesn’t know if Renaldo will be able to help her when she realizes that he is blind. He proves to be not only a big help, but also a great friend.

Down Syndrome

“At the Vets”

Ellen Jane Peterson, who has Down Syndrome, works at the Woodburn Animal Hospital. When Brenda Dubrowski comes in to pick up her pet dog, Muffy, Ellen Jane helps Brenda understand what it is like for her to have Down Syndrome. Ellen Jane explains that her Down Syndrome just means that she learns things slowly, but she still likes to do all of the things that every other girl her age enjoys.

Cerebral Palsy

“New Friends”

Mark Riley is a fun-loving boy with a great sense of humor. When he is out one day popping wheelies in his “cruiser,” Melody James stops by to ask him some questions about what it’s like to have cerebral palsy. Mark explains to Mel how he gets around in his “cruiser” and shows her that he doesn’t spend a lot of time thinking about the things he can’t do because he’s too busy doing the things he can!

Autism

“Sorting Socks”

Joanne stops by Eddy’s house. She is anxious to show off her bag filled with socks that she is collecting for people who are homeless. When Joanne spills her bag on the floor, Eddy uses it as an opportunity to show her that, even though his brother David has autism, he still has valuable skills that he can use in the “real world.” Eddy discusses the way David is taught and how that teaching is reinforced by parents and siblings at home.