Annual Halloween Bash for Children with Special Needs Nichole Seaman nicholeseaman@knights.ucf.edu October 30th, 2010 EEX 4070 – Teaching Exceptional Students

Teachers in Action Teachers in Action is a partnership between the University of Central Florida and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Florida. It launched in August 2009, and seeks to engage future teachers in meaningful service-learning activities. Fully funded for three years by a $570,000 federal grant through Learn and Serve America. During the three year grant, more than 3,000 pre-service teachers will participate in projects that directly impact over 15,000 persons with disabilities and their families in Central Florida. Sources: - TeachersInAction.com - UCF Newsroom article http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&id=00240041037381429012136c33d7903023

Engagement Activities This event provided a safe and supportive venue for hundreds of children, youth, and adults with disabilities to come together as a community and enjoy Halloween fun with family and friends. The event was open to people of all ages and abilities on October 30th, from 11am-3pm, at the Loch Haven Park Neighborhood Center in Orlando. I first heard about this service learning activity through the Teachers in Action Message Board, where Project Coordinator Shawn Eigenbrode asked for help. I filled my 15 hour requirement by participating in online planning chats with other volunteers, soliciting donations for candy, decorations, and beverages, setting up the event, working at a table, interacting with guests, and cleaning up after the event had ended.

Participant demographics This event was open to people of all ages and abilities. Children showed up and had a great time with their families. Over 350 people enjoyed games, activities, dancing, dress up, food, and trick or treating! Ages: preschool-aged children to older adults Diversity: Varying ethnicities, linguistic heritages, and exceptionalities. Types of disabilities: People with cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, and other cognitive and physical disabilities How we worked in accordance with IDEA: We joined both students with and without disabilities in “extracurricular services and activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of that child.” (IDEA, 300.117: nonacademic settings)

Service in Action

Perceptions of differences

I completed the Teachers in Action project for my Teaching Exceptional Students (EEX4070) class at the University of Central Florida. Three course topics that I have gained a better understanding of by completing this part of my service learning include: 1. Disability awareness in the community. 2. Interacting with students who have autism and developmental disabilities, visual impairments, hearing loss, physical disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. 3. Interacting with culturally and lingusitically diverse students with special needs. Connections to Coursework Knowing more about these topics and how to be compassionate and patient when interacting with students with disabilities will help me as a future educator.

Civic Engagement Volunteering has a huge impact on everyone! There is so much to learn as a service learning volunteer, and it benefits not only the people who serve, but the recipients of the time and efforts of all those involved. Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place. -- Rosalynn Carter

Final Thoughts It was a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to work with students with disabilities, as it helped me to develop appropriate skills and knowledge that I will need when teaching students. I hope that Teachers in Action continues to host a Halloween Bash, as it seemed to have had a great response from guests. People really appreciated all of our efforts in providing a safe and fun atmosphere for students with disabilities on Halloween.