History of Kids on the Block

Founder Barbara Aiello with her puppet

The Kids on the Block, Inc. (KOB), a troupe of educational puppets designed to teach children about disabilities and differences, originated in 1977. The puppets and programs were developed to help fill the needs of children with disabilities so that their non-disabled peers could understand and accept them. Since then, KOB has expanded, including more than 40 programs on disabilities, educational differences, medical differences, and social concerns.

The Kids on the Block has been well received by teachers, administrators, parents, and children worldwide.

Each program topic is thoroughly researched and field-tested before it becomes available to school districts, community service organizations, and special interest groups. The Kids on the Block curriculums include puppets, props, scripts, audio cassettes, follow-up materials, resource suggestions, and the continued support and counsel of the national company.

Many Kids on the Block troupes have been established throughout the United States and in different countries and territories. The scripts and materials have been translated into many languages so children worldwide can experience direct interaction with our “kids,” who openly discuss their disabilities and differences.

A Kids on the Block performance is an impactful educational experience. The “kids” vividly and effectively model relationships between people through frank and often humorous communication of facts and feelings between the puppet characters and the audience.

If you’d like more information, please email us at [email protected].