School employees play an integral role in a school’s CSPAP. School employee wellness programs improve staff health, increase physical activity levels, and are cost effective. When school staff commit to good health practices, they are positive role models for students, and may show increased support for student participation in physical activity. Support for school employee wellness and leadership training contribute to the overall culture of physical activity at a school. Teachers and other school staff members can integrate physical activity into classroom academic instruction and breaks, and support recess, intramurals, and other physical activity offerings. Additionally, school employees can be positive role models for students by demonstrating active lifestyle choices in and out of school. CSPAP Page 15
Being a positive role model involves participation in employee wellness programs. It is important to consider the disabilities, hidden or visible, of staff as it pertains to their own health and physical activity. Employee wellness programs should be inclusive. Programs such as a walking lunch or counting steps may not be appropriate for all staff, so offer alternate activities to increase physical activity.
In addition to being a positive role model, various staff will likely be involved in incorporating elements of physical activity in the school setting and interacting with students with disabilities. In order for students with disabilities to be fully included in this process, it is important to make sure that all staff has a basic understanding of disabilities. Staff training on disability awareness including person first language and communication tips is essential to making children and youth with disabilities feel included.
Words to Say | Words to Avoid |
Person who has... | Suffers from... |
Person with a disability | Disabled, handicapped, physically challenged |
Person with an intellectual disability | Mentally retarded |
Person with a brain injury | Brain damaged |
Person who has diabetes | Suffers from diabetes or diabetic |
Person who uses a wheelchair | Crippled, wheelchair-bound, confined to a wheelchair |
Person with epilepsy | Epileptic |
Person who has had a stroke | Stroke victim |
NCHPAD: A Culture of Inclusion in Worksite Wellness
http://www.nchpad.org/1223/5876/A~Culture~of~Inclusion~in~Worksite~Wellness
http://www.nchpad.org/1499/6453/Employee~Wellness~Month
NCHPAD: How I Walk Campaign
http://www.nchpad.org/howiwalk/
NCHPAD: Deskercise! 20 Ways to Get Moving While You Work
http://www.nchpad.org/1061/5452/Deskercise~~20~Ways~to~Get~Moving~While~you~Work
Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Employee Wellness
https://www.healthiergeneration.org/take_action/schools/employee_wellness/