Most students have stated that "The Ability Project" meant the most to them.
Below is everything you will need to make this happen at your school.
Essential Question: "What is it like in the world of a mentally or physically challenged person?"
Motivation: It was so exciting! This young girl was about to become a middle school student! It was even more inspiring because the last time she was in school was in the 4th grade just before she had a stroke that left her with many physical and mental challenges. Prior to her return, and to help her friends become aware of her challenges, an idea came to mind and that idea turned into a Project Based Learning unit called, The Ability Project. 
​PBL Outline & Lessons
​PBL & Writing Necessities
​Extended Support Activities & Materials
Resources & Videos
Dad said, "We knew something was wrong, but we didn't know exactly what. We knew Ricky was smart...we could tell it in his eyes...so we wanted to get a computer built." This resulted in marathons, Ironman triathlons, and a college degree. The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt...the story of a father that climbs mountains and runs to the ends of the earth and back, to give his son life.
Student Samples
Most students will study a disability that has affected themselves or a family member which opens up dialogue and brings the family closer. For instance, one of my boys told me he wanted to study breast cancer. When I asked him why, he said it was because his mother died of it...cue the tears! To watch some of the 8th grader's presentations, click on the links below.
Presentation and Essay Samples
PBL Reflection Matrix and Samples
Dedications
The Ability Project is dedicated to two of the most influential people in my life.
Super-Mom Shari  Reichmuth
Amazing mom and fantastic friend. She suffered from spina bifida, scoliosis, and osteoporosis until her sudden death in 2021. Her mother died of ALS as did her nephew, Scott Passarello.

At the age of 13, she was placed in a metal waffle as her doctors believed that if they bent her spine in the opposite direction, her back would straighten out. When she returned back to school with the metal rods that helped her stand up straight, her middle school "bullies" would swing her around in circles. Her doctors told her she would not lead an active life and that she would never have children. Because her bravery has no limits, when she was in her 40's, she decided to have rods surgically placed in her spine, but they informed her they could not perform the surgery because she had spina bifida...her parents never told her so she had her spinal cord untethered instead. 
Scott Passarello
Athlete and Trainer, Alaskan Fisherman, Rebel, ALS Victim, & Grandson of our Grandmother, who was an ALS Victim.

“In the mornings when I wake up, unable to move, I think about the life I've lead.  It's been a good life, but it could have been better had I focused less on myself and more on those I loved.  I wish I had been less selfish and more caring to my family and friends around me. Taken pity, rather than raging…
You have no choice.  

Use your time wisely and flood your time with love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, beauty, and most of all, appreciation and thankfulness.”
 ~Scott Passarello, 1962-2004
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