TYNGSBORO, Mass. — A local elementary school has been chosen as part of a national pilot program to teach diversity and inclusion for people with disabilities.
To her fellow students at Tyngsboro Elementary School, Meera Nair is not different because of her wheelchair or her cerebral palsy.
"I don't feel left out very often and I want other people to feel like that too," said Nair.
What makes her special is this:
"If people with disabilities and people without disabilities had the same mindset and would strive to a goal, it's almost like creating an unstoppable force that could achieve anything," said Nair in a message she shared last year.
Her message was inspired by the National Just Say Hi campaign - to help connect those with disabilities to their community.
"You shouldn’t be scared to at least start a conversation, it doesn’t have to be about the disability," said Nair.
And that video caught the attention of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, where staff members quickly realized this was the perfect place to bring that message to life.
"They were very interested in piloting in Massachusetts, so we were the first school selected," said principal Kerry Cavanaugh.
Next week, CPF staff members will train counselors and teachers on a new curriculum based on inclusion and empathy - sharing the knowledge Meera already has.
"She’s somebody who’s inspired many of the educators in our building," said Cavanaugh.
But Nair brushes off the praise with a smile - after all, she's got more work ahead, like her plans for her future employment.
"President of the United States!" said Nair.
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