Darrell Gwynn Foundation

THE AWARENESS EDUCATION PROGRAM


DGF has developed a prevention program that can be presented in high schools throughout Florida. The program encompasses three different options from which schools may choose. In partnership with the Department of Health, we have assembled a roster of speakers who are either quadriplegics or paraplegics, thereby having first-hand knowledge about spinal cord injuries. Depending upon the level at which schools choose to participate, a speaker will be available to visit schools in counties across the state. All previous presentations have received excellent evaluations from both teachers and students.

All speakers have been trained by The Darrell Gwynn Foundation. Each presents the same material, with the singular exception being their personal stories of how their spinal cord injuries were sustained. The program typically ranges from 45-50 minutes, but can be customized to meet any need.

Through this innovative program, it is our goal to reduce the number of spinal cord injury accidents in high school students.

The agenda for the program is as follows:

  • Presentation of a 9-minute video, “It Could Happen to You,” produced by The Darrell Gwynn Foundation. The video consists of personal stories shared by young adults who, as teenagers, suffered spinal cord injuries due to reckless behavior. Last year, it had a significant impact on students who viewed it.
  • Speaker’s personal story about his or her accident; what life is like with a spinal cord injury; how it could have been prevented; rundown of their daily routine and challenges posed by their spinal cord injury; etc.
  • Spinal cord injury prevention tips that are geared to and relevant for this age group.
  • A question-and-answer session with students