walk now for autism speaks ppt

Walk Now For Autism Speaks Teachers in Action : 

Walk Now For Autism Speaks Teachers i n Action Ashton Fox a.fox.ucf@knights.ucf.edu November 26, 2011 EEX 4242

Introduction to Host Setting : 

Introduction to Host Setting Organization with which I completed my service hours: Autism Speaks Some offered Programs: 2011 Orlando Walk Now For Autism Speaks raised $167,000 drawing in 5000 Floridians 2011 Volusia County Walk Now For Autism Speaks raised $80,000 drawing in 700 participants 1. 100 Day Kit and Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit 2. Major Gifts Program 3. Family Services Community Grants

Engagement Activities : 

Engagement Activities Activities I Was Engaged In I realized a lack of awareness regarding the high levels in Autism cases so I decided to volunteer my time to help raise awareness through the Walk Now For Autism Speaks events. This was a multi-day event. The Orlando event was on November 12,2011 and the Volusia County event was on November 19, 2011. I received my fifteen hours by volunteering from 6am-1:30pm for both events. I heard about the event through the discussion board in EEX 4242 and went online to register at the following website: http ://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=471144 Worked at the registration desk Handed out water and fruit to the walkers and encouraged them to keep going!

Participant Demographics: 

Participant Demographics The age r ange at the events that I p articipated in were from around ages 4-25 years old. This organization is geared towards anyone with Autism not just one specific ethnic group or age range. Having a disability does not automatically qualify a student for special education services under the IDEA. IDEA defines a "child with a disability" as a "child with mental retardation, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), serious emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities; AND, who [because of the condition] needs special education and related services." My project involved several hundred persons with disabilities at the Orlando and Volusia walks.

Service In Action : 

Service In Action

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Getting ready to hand out water and fruit to the walkers!

PowerPoint Presentation: 

“We walk to celebrate how far we've come”

PowerPoint Presentation: 

“Global Collaboration gives a voice to all families who are struggling with Autism”

Perceptions of Differences: 

Perceptions of Differences My initial thoughts about this service learning assignment and disabilities was that I was excited to be involved in the community and learn more about persons with disabilities. After the walk I realized how important patience is and how doing one little thing like volunteering can go a long way. My mom always says, “I learn as much from them as they do from me.” It is important for all of us to be well informed about what we can do as a community to help find a cure and be open to learning more about all disabilities because these children might be placed in our classrooms. The experience that had the most impact on me was working in registration and meeting every single person that came to the walk.

Connections to Course: 

Connections to Course Enrolled in EEX 4242 for Teachers in Action Project Three Course Topics Related to Autism These experiences will influence my future studies and professional work because it is good to be exposed to people with disabilities and not just read it out of a book. I feel if you engage yourself in activities such as volunteering, you learn more about disabilities and how to respond to these persons in certain situations. 1. Social Interaction 2. Restricted Repetition Patterns 3. Behavior

Civic Engagement: 

Civic Engagement My perspective on Civic Engagement: Volunteering is a small deed that goes a long way. Purpose of Civic Engagement: to lend a helping hand and teach people that “working to make a difference in our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation” will make that difference. Service Learning is a great method of learning. This experience has motivated me to be more engaged in future service learning experiences and encourage others to engage in volunteering as well.

Closing Reflections: 

Closing Reflections Communities as a whole could work toward greater understanding, empathy, and opportunities for persons with disabilities by learning more about all disabilities and not forming stereotypes when told that someone in their classroom or community has a disability. To help others become involved I could invite friends and families to events like the Walk Now For Autism Speaks and educate them on the statistics and scientific research that has been discovered. I believe that teachers are truly paramount to the “greater good” of society because many children look up to teachers and if teachers told them about how positive volunteer work is for the good of the community the students are more likely to engage in those activities. Seeing how many people support their loved ones, friends, neighbors and community really moved me.