Learn more about ClassACT's newest bridge project!

Understanding Our Differences’ mission is to educate communities to value and respect people of all abilities, through school-based interactive disability-awareness programs.  The goal is to foster a society that includes people with disabilities – who, at 20 percent of the US population, make up the largest minority group in the country – in truly authentic ways that benefit individuals, schools, workplaces and communities. Since 1978, Understanding our Differences volunteers have regularly been presenting its programs to students in grades 3-5 in our home district of Newton, MA, and in other Eastern Massachusetts cities and towns. The lessons increase students’ understanding of a range of disabilities and chronic disease conditions, with visual presentations, hands-on activities, and speakers with disabilities discussing their experiences and answering questions. The approach has demonstrated repeatedly that accurate information about disabilities makes the difference between discrimination and acceptance. Understanding Our Differences teaches children – at a young age when they are open and receptive to these lifelong lessons – to see the whole person and understand how specific disabilities don’t prevent active participation in the community.

Jeff and Marcia Herrmann (‘73/’74) have been passionate volunteers and supporters of UOD and its mission for decades. Marcia is a Past President of the Board of Directors and continues to serve on the Board.

Note: Multiple UOD Board and Advisory Board members have ties to Harvard University, including Harvard College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Business School, the School of Education, the Kennedy School, the Divinity School, the Medical School, and the School of Public Health.

Learn more here: https://www.classacthr73.org/sys/website/system-pages/?pageId=18002