PUPPETS TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT BRAIN INJURY
A New “Kid on the Block” Is Introduced


Columbia, MD (May 7, 2002) – The internationally known Kids on the Block puppet troupe announces an addition to its already large family.  “Justin Campbell,” the newest Kid on the Block, is the featured character in a new educational puppet program about brain injury.  The curriculum was designed to educate children about brain injury and brain injury prevention.  Through 14 year old Justin, who acquired a brain injury in an automobile crash, elementary school-aged children will learn about some of the cognitive and emotional changes frequently experienced by people with brain injuries.  They will also learn how Justin’s brain injury affects his life and his friendships.  The prevention component of the program teaches children about brain health and brain injury prevention techniques.

Justin first met the world at the Brain Injury Association of America’s Annual Public Policy Conference in March 2002.  Justin and his friends and fellow puppet characters Shaun and Melody James (with the help of The Kids on the Block, Inc.’s puppeteers) performed for an audience of brain injury survivors, their families, and brain injury advocates.
      
The release of The Kids on the Block Program on Brain Injury is the culmination of more than a year’s work of researching, developing, writing, and field testing the educational puppet program.  The Kids on the Block, Inc. consulted with brain injury and education experts to ensure that the program on brain injury would be as successful as its 44 other educational puppet curricula.  The Brain Injury Association of America’s Director of Government Relations Anne Rohall offered this praise for the program, “You captured the “silent epidemic” of brain injury perfectly and accurately–with grace and dignity.”  Justin may be the new “Kid on the Block,” but he’ll fit right in!


Media Inquiries:
Sara Qureshi (410)290-9095

The Kids on the Block, Inc. is an educational puppet company which uses live puppet theatre to educate children about sensitive topics, including disability awareness.  Over 1,600 associate troupes use curricula developed by The Kids on the Block, Inc. to deliver messages of sensitivity, acceptance, an responsible decision making to children around the world.