COUNT ME IN®
The COUNT ME IN puppet program helps children and adults learn about disabilities and chronic illnesses to bridge the gap between students with and without disabilities. The program started in 1979 and has reached over 442,000 children and adults with the message that all children want to play and learn to the best of their abilities. The show features child-size puppets that portray children with disabilities. Each show includes short skits that encourage audience interaction appropriate to the age of the students.
COUNT ME IN for children ages 4-6 lasts about 30 minutes and discusses:
- Blindness
- Deaf/hard of hearing
- A physical disability
- Inclusion and acceptance of difference
Meet the cast
The show features puppets Gina, Jay and Sally, supported by their friends Carmen and Mitch.
COUNT ME IN for children in grades 1-4 lasts 45-55 minutes and discusses:
- Blindness
- Deaf/hard of hearing
- Cerebral palsy
- ADHD
- Autism
Meet the cast
The show features puppets Gina, Jay, Sally, Carmen, Max and Mitch.
Gina
Gina is blind and uses a white cane to go almost anywhere. Gina can ride a tandem bike and read Braille, and she enjoys having sleepovers with her friends.
Jay
Jay is deaf/hard of hearing. Jay wears a hearing aid that helps him hear some sounds. His favorite thing to do is play games. Jay has learned to talk and uses sign language and speech reading. He taught his classmates how to sign “Happy Birthday.”
Sally
Sally has a physical disability. Sally has either spina bifida or cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She likes to sing and play games and even tried horseback riding once, but her favorite thing to do is swim.
Carmen
Carmen has epilepsy. She likes to try new things, go to new places, and, most importantly, help her many friends. Carmen’s friends did not know she had seizures because they are controlled through the medication she takes.
Mitch
Mitch has a learning disability. Mitch needs to be taught some subjects in a different way than the other kids in his class. Mitch’s favorite sport is baseball. He is the pitcher and captain of his team.
Gina
Gina is blind and uses a white cane to go almost anywhere. Gina can ride a tandem bike and read Braille, and she enjoys having sleepovers with her friends.
Jay
Jay is deaf/hard of hearing. Jay wears a hearing aid that helps him hear some sounds. His favorite thing to do is play games. Jay has learned to talk and uses sign language and speech reading. He taught his classmates how to sign “Happy Birthday.”
Sally
Sally has a physical disability. Sally has either spina bifida or cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She likes to sing and play games and even tried horseback riding once, but her favorite thing to do is swim.
Corey
Corey has Down syndrome. He learns things at a slower pace than his friends but when given the help and support he needs, Corey can be counted on to do a good job and help others, too.
Carmen
Carmen has ADHD. Many of her friends don't know this about her. She sometimes can get distracted easily but she uses some tools to help her stay focused in school. She likes to try new things, go to new places, and, most importantly, help her many friends.
Max
Max has autism spectrum disorder. Max is a computer whiz and one of the best readers in the class. He enjoys participating in the school spelling bee and is fearless when sledding downhill. Sometimes Max behaves differently, but his classmates learn to appreciate his special skills.
Mitch
Mitch has a learning disability. Mitch needs to be taught some subjects in a different way than the other kids in his class. Mitch’s favorite sport is baseball. He is the pitcher and captain of his team.
PACER Center expressly reserves all rights in its works of authorship which include, but are not limited to, the puppets and scripts subject to this order form, and none of PACER Center's copyrighted works may be reproduced, distributed or translated without express written permission of PACER Center.
© PACER Center, Inc., 8161 Normandale Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55437
(952) 838-9000 Voice, (952) 838-0199 Fax
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