2. Sonya D’Aquila s.daquila.ucf@knights.ucf.edu July 9, 2010 EEX4070 _CMB 10Summer

3.  For twenty-five years the Advisory Board for the Disabled, Inc. and the City of Altamonte Springs have partnered to provide programs for persons with a disability.  Some of these programs include STOP Field Trips, Nightbird Dances, Cheerleading, Ballroom Dancing, Belly Dancing, Winter Camp, Thursday Night Out, and Bowling.  These programs service individuals ages 13 and up with a variety of disabilities including Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and other developmental delay.  With only three paid employees, these programs rely on volunteer help in order to provide these services. Altamonte Springs Special Community Services

4.  Each Wednesday for eight weeks in the summer, the camp provides a variety of social and engaging activities for the campers to participate in.  During the two weeks that I was able to participate, the campers interacted with the individuals from the Public and Environmental Service for the City of Altamonte Springs. We also took a field trip to the Orlando Science Center and played baseball with the Sanford River Rats.

5. The People

7. Service in Action

8. Perceptions of Differences

9. Connections to Your Course  This project is being completed for Teaching Exceptional Children, EEX 4070.  The community of individuals with disabilities that this program services are varied. That was an important factor for me; I felt that completing my service hours with this group would allow me to gain invaluable knowledge.  Through this project I have had the opportunity gain a small amount of experience with individuals with disabilities. With this I feel that I will have a better understanding of how to best help my students with disabilities whether physical or mental.  This experience has further enhanced my commitment to providing quality equal and accessible education for all. I hope that as I become a classroom teacher, I will reflect on this experience and be able to foster a caring, judgment free, cooperative environment for all.

10. Civic Engagement  For me volunteering in your community is an important part of being a well rounded person. I learned this lesson at an early age. As a teen I had the opportunity to volunteer with All Children’s Hospital on various projects. Volunteering allows you acquire the sense of what it is to do something for other without the expectation of getting anything in return; however I have found you always get more than you give. I believe that everyone has the ability to share a special talent no matter what your capabilities are. This is a life lesson that I would like to instill in my children as well.  Service-learning is a great way to introduce children to volunteering. It enables you to connect book knowledge with hands-on experiences. I would encourage other teachers and students to embrace this type of learning. I feel that it is just another strategy to use in the understanding of a lesson.

11. Final Thoughts