Students for an Accessible Community

SAC has taken over handling the Kids on the Block Puppet Troupe from LIFE Center for Independent Living. Bloomington Parks and Recreation own the puppets, but they are dependent on volunteers to staff the project, and that is us!

Deanne Collins at Normal West High School and Connie Kelly are the adult directors, Libby Mayberry is our student director.

Meetings are generally on Monday at NCWHS in Mrs. Collins room leading up to a scheduled community event.

What is KOTB you ask?
The Kids on the Block are part of an exciting and unique education program, available to communities around the world. The Kids on the Block puppets look and act like real kids. They each have their own unique personalities, talents, abilities and limitations. A biographical profile accompanies each of the characters and like real kids, some have been touched by disability, medical conditions, prejudice or other social issues. The puppet characters share their own experiences using a wheelchair, communicating with sign language.. etc. The Kids on the Block uses “hand and rod” puppets. This means that one hand works the mouth of the puppet and the other hand manipulates the rod for gestures. The puppets are 3 to 4 feet tall. Some of the puppets have a disability and use aids that make their character distinctive and realistic. KOTB is an international program; you can find more information about KOTB on the international web site: www.kotb.com

Would you like to volunteer for KOTB?
Goals: Educate ourselves about different disabilities so that we can educate others. Learn to effectively perform a skit using hand and rod puppets. Conduct a puppet show for children in the community, educating them about people with disabilities.

Skills needed: Enthusiastic, like to work with children, able to memorize scripts, able to speak clearly and project voice, able to manipulate puppets, and able to carry materials. For one puppet, we need someone who is fluent in American Sign Language.
Hours: Practices are generally after school on Mondays at Normal Community West High School in Mrs. Collins room. Alternate practices for non West students may be held at LIFE Center for Independent Living at 2201 Eastland Dr. Suite 1 in Bloomington.
Duties: Attend regular practices, memorize scripts, attend community education events.

Would you like to invite KOTB to perform for your group?
GREAT! Just e-mail Connie Kelly at secretary@accessallies.org or call 309-451-4497. There is absolutely no fee! You can also call Connie to volunteer as a puppeteer.

Meet the Kids on the Block

Training Video for KOTB