Reaching Youth - Creating Change - Growing Leaders - Promoting the Abilities of Every Person

“Everyone Can” is a disability awareness and education program for elementary and middle school students that utilizes interactive reading and discussion groups, peer education and arts instruction. 

This project began when veteran advocates at the Disability Law Center met to discuss how we could create change for people with disabilities in a new way.

The vast majority of complaints the DLC receives from people with disabilities are born from attitudes of prejudice, paternalism and ignorance. We thought about all of the presentations and outreach we had undertaken in the past few years and wondered if there might be a way to change the attitudes that people have about individuals with disabilities.  It occurred to us that if we spent time with youth who were in the process of developing their beliefs about people with differences, we may be able to promote lasting acceptance and celebrate the unique abilities of every person.  

The “Everyone Can” project is a way for the DLC to build a future consistent with our vision of a just society where everyone is treated with equity, dignity and respect.  The key to that future is building understanding among tomorrow’s leaders that “Everyone Can.”

Increasing the number of books about people with disabilities in libraries and classrooms across Utah is an important component of the "Everyone Can program." Reading stories about or including characters with disabilities provides excellent opportunities for communicating with children about the challenges, accomplishments, and daily lives of people with disabilities. Click here to view a list of disability friendly literature

If you would like to order free “Everyone Can” poster or wristbands, please send an e-mail leviwebb@disabilitylawcenter.org requesting the items.  Wristband orders are limited to 10 per person, and you will need to indicate child or adult sizes. 

To learn more about this project, please contact Sheri Newton at sherinewton@disabilitylawcenter.org.

2008 "Everyone Can" Art Contest

Announcing the 2008 “Everyone Can” art contest. The contest is open to all elementary and middle school students.

Click here to read the rules and guidelines for the contest.

Click here to view the entry form for the contest.