Important notice to FLL Mentors, Coaches and Parents!

[Rich Wong]

This IMPORANT topic was just brought up among the FLL Community. I would like to share it with all FLL Mentors, coaches and parents on CD:

"In looking over some of the names of teams on the Forum, it's
apparent that the whole idea of sensitivity to people with
disabilities is being lost on some of the teams and coaches. Names
such as Crippled Crusaders and the Wheelchair Willies are offensive.
I caution all state partners to review the names, as well as the
graphics teams might use on their t-shirts or other costume props to
be sure they are appropriate for this year's theme. Encourage
coaches to make a teaching moment out of the selection of an
inappropriate team name.

One of the teams in our area chose Seven Blind Mice as their team
name. Rather than squelch their creativity, their coach contacted
the Inclusion Network and arranged a call on speaker phone with one
of their consultants. The consultant helped the kids rethink their
name and t-shirt design (computer mice with sunglasses and white
canes). The kids are now more aware that their first choice was
insensitive and have learned a valuable lesson.

Scott (FLL) described this year's theme as a marriage between humanity and
technology. Let's be sure all the teams embrace both aspects."