A New World to Me Juan Valentin juanvalentin89@knights.ucf.edu July 25,2011 EEX 4070

Introduction to the Host Setting UCP - United Cerebral Palsy S - support E – education T - therapy

Engagement Activities Supervision during Lunch Supervision of computer use Playground supervision Art Time Service-Learning occurred each Monday for 3-4 weeks.

Participant Demographics Ages: 5-7 Quantity: 10 children 1 African American, 3 Hispanics, 6 Caucasians As seen in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a student is considered disabled if he/she: Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity, Has a record of such an impairment, or Is regarded as having such an impairment. The children within the classroom, aside from one, were not able to speak. Five had Autism.

Service in Action

Perceptions of Differences Before = worried I was worried at first because: I had no experience in exceptional ed. I had no idea what to expect

Perceptions of Differences (continued) After = Accomplished I felt accomplished because: I had gone in with an open mind and came out with a new experience to add to the list My Experiences: The way I interacted with a child who had autism Observing the children interacting with water during an activity called Water Day.

Connections to Your Course I enrolled in EEX 4070 Three course topics I now understand better: Communication disorders Autism Using reinforcers to encourage positive behavior

Connections to Your Course (continued) Communication Disorders I have learned that they don’t relate only to verbal communication. One child in my classroom was not able to verbalize his wants and needs, while another was not able to hear the most needed directions to an activity clearly.

Connections to Your Course (continued) Autism A child with Autism may display some of the following: Little to no eye contact Little to no verbal communicatioin Repetitive movements May have mental retardation (more characteristics found on pg. 145 of Teaching Students Who Are Exceptional, Diverse, and at Risk in the General Education Classroom) Using Reinforcers to Encourage Positive Behavior The staff members I observed used many things within the classroom to get certain children to do something positive whether it involved picking up a toy or not doing hurtful things to another student or a staff member.

Civic Engagement I have always believed that: A person should be involved in their community in some way Volunteering provides much needed help to those who might not be able to hire needed assistance To me civic engagement: Lets those in need of help know that someone does care. It brings people together for one purpose. Service Learning as a Method of Learning? I see service learning as a great way of finding out your true calling. It also helps you grasp the true work which a professional puts into their job. Engaged in the future? YES! I have always volunteered and this experience has only enhanced that want to help.

Final Thoughts & Reflections What could others do? Volunteer! Volunteering is the best way to give back to those with disabilities. It helps them grow and feel loved as well as give you a deeper understanding of the world of persons with disabilities. What could I do to help others get involved? Have them tag along when I volunteer somewhere or for something (after permission is given for me to bring them). Not only will they get a taste of what it is to volunteer and work with persons with disabilities, but they will see someone they know enjoying such activities.

Final Thoughts & Reflections (continued) Teachers play a major role when it comes to educating parents, families and the surrounding communities. When it comes to parents and families, teachers see things that they might not catch while observing their child at home. Many times, the teacher is the one who discovers a learning disability before the parents. Teachers are also examples of the educational system when it comes to interacting with the surrounding communities. For example: an individual, who has a friend that is disabled, may want information on how to become involved with the exceptional ed. world. It is then when teachers can become a most needed advisor to such a person.