PEI Kids Program - Kids on the Block

Kids on the Block is an international program which originated in 1977 in response to a law mandating that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment. For many this meant being included in classrooms with non-disabled students. In order to help children understand and accept students with disabilities a puppet program based on bunraku puppet theatre was born.

The program introduced puppet characters with disabilities to the students and educators found that students would ask the puppets themselves questions regarding the puppets' situations. Often it seems children are more comfortable addressing a puppet friend than a real person.

Since its inception the program has broadened its themes to cover social concerns, medical and educational differences, physical and sexual abuse, personal safety, as well as understanding disabilities. PEI Kids presents workshops dealing with personal safety, physical abuse, sexual abuse and school safety and bullying.

To learn more about Kids on the Black, visit the organization's national website.