Teachers In Action Project - Leah Gentry

Nathaniel’s Hope – Make ‘em smile Buddy Walk Project:

Nathaniel’s Hope – Make ‘ em smile Buddy Walk Project Leah Gentry lgentry@knights.ucf.edu 7-25-2011 EEX 4242

Introduction to Nathaniel’s Hope:

Founded in 2002 by Tim and Marie Kuck Created to meet the needs of VIP kids (kids with special needs) and their families Offers many opportunities for VIP kids in the community: Make ‘ Em Smile VIP Birthday Club Buddy Break Caroling for Kids Hall of Hope Introduction to Nathaniel’s Hope

Engagement Activities:

I participated in the Make ‘ Em Smile event on June 4, 2011 Event held annually at Lake Eola Attended a training session on the event Activities I engaged in at the event: Helped pair VIP families with their buddies or translators Offered help and direction to VIP families with questions Got lots of hugs and had conversations with VIP kids Engagement Activities

Participant Demographics:

Participant Demographics Served all Central Florida residents – families with or without disabilities Over 10,000 participants Served 1,500 children and adults with disabilities VIP children served are any children with special needs which include any physical, cognitive, medical, or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.

Service in Action:

Service in Action

Perceptions of Differences:

Perceptions of Differences At first, I was apprehensive about this project. When the idea for Make ‘ Em Smile came to me, I got excited. The actual event inspired me and helped break down my own perceptions. I am now excited to work within this community and look forward to my next opportunity.

Connections to Your Course:

Connections to Your Course I am enrolled in Teachers in Action for EEX 4242 Three course topics that I better understand: People First L anguage. Assistive Technology Not All Disabilities are Visible. I was able to see the people we have been talking about, and was able to see past the disability to the person. This experience helps me to have more empathy and understanding for my students who have disabilities.

Civic Engagement:

Civic Engagement I have always loved volunteering, but have now found a new population to work with. I believe that civic engagement helps us to see past ourselves. It helps us to understand that life is not all about us. Service-learning through classes is a great idea because it allows us the opportunity to learn first-hand what we are talking about in class. Also, it teaches us things we cannot learn in the classroom. I think this event helped motivate me to do more in the future with kids with disabilities.

Final Thoughts & Reflections:

Final Thoughts & Reflections What the community can do: Get out in the community and work with the population Seek to understand those things that confuse or scare us Look at the person first and their situation second. What can teachers do: Teach our students to respect and value every person, no matter what makes them different from other people. Teach students the importance of getting involved in the community. Show students by example.