1. ENG 1D1 Core Novel Study Unit
Invisible Disabilities

2. What is an invisible disability?
In general, the term disability is often used to describe an ongoing physical challenge. This could be a bump in life that can be well managed or a mountain that creates serious changes and loss. Either way, this term should not be used to describe a person as weaker or lesser than anyone else! Every person has a purpose, special uniqueness and value, no matter what hurdles they may face.
In addition, just because a person has a disability, does not mean they are disabled. Many living with these challenges are still fully active in their work, families, sports or hobbies. Some with disabilities are able to work full or part time, but struggle to get through their day, with little or no energy for other things. Others are unable to maintain gainful or substantial employment due to their disability, have trouble with daily living activities and/or need assistance with their care.

3. What is an invisible disability?
The term invisible disabilities refers to symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments.  These are not always obvious to the onlooker, but can sometimes or always limit daily activities, range from mild challenges to severe limitations and vary from person to person.
Also, someone who has a visible impairment or uses an assistive device such as a wheelchair, walker or cane can also have invisible disabilities. For example, whether or not a person utilizes an assistive device, if they are debilitated by such symptoms as described above, they live with invisible disabilities.

4. What are some examples of invisible disabilities?
Psychiatric Disabilities—i.e. major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Attention Deficit-Disorder or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Learning Disabilities (LD)

5. Invisible Disabilities Research Project
You will each choose a different invisible disability to research
Once you have researched your invisible disability you will put your information together on a PPT or Prezi
You will prepare a 5 minute presentation and share your PPT or Prezi with the class
Dates: Work Periods: Tuesday, March 28 – Thursday, March 30 & Monday, April 3 Presentation Periods: Tuesday, April 4 & Wednesday, April 5

6. The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
It is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it put him on a strange course through unchartered territory. The world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends.
Page Count: 213

7. Looking For Alaska Author: John Green
BEFORE: Miles “Pudge” Halter’s whole existence has been one big nonevent and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the “Great Perhaps” [Francois Rabelais, poet] even more. He heads off to the sometimes crazy, impossible unstable, and anything-but- boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.
AFTER: Nothing is ever the same.
Page Count: 221

8. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time
Author: Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the colour yellow.
This improbable story of Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighbourhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years.
Page Count: 221

9. Core Novel Study Guides
You will be given a package, to be prepared, for each of the following three meeting dates
The package will consist of worksheets that ask you to keep track of the following during specific sections/ parts of your novel: - Characters - Setting - Symbol - Theme - Questions - Literary Devices - Found Items
Dates: Meeting One: Friday, April 7 (Orange Pages) Meeting Two: Thursday, April 13 (Blue Pages) Meeting Three: Thursday, April 20 (Grey Pages)

10. Test & Literary Essay
These will be the final two evaluations for this unit.
Test Date: Friday, April 21 & Monday, April 24
Essay Intro & Prep: Tuesday, April Thursday, May 4
Essay Due Date: Monday, May THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER LOOKING FOR ALASKA THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG