Teachers in Action Project-Karla Kahn

Working with Students with Special Needs:

Working with Students with Special Needs Karla Kahn karlakahn@knights.ucf.edu Spring 2011 EXE 4070

Setting: United Cerebral Palsy:

Setting: United Cerebral Palsy UCP Community-East Orange Bailes Campus Brief History of UCP’s beginning: One of the largest health non-profit educational agencies Opened in 1949 by Leonard Goldenson , his wife Isabelle, and Jack Hausman and his wife Ethel. The East Orange Bailes Campus is a Brand New 35,000 Square Foot Facility Programs Offered: Pre-K through 3 rd Grade Education Infant and Toddler Programs Before and After-School Care Summer Camps Therapy

Setting:

Setting Integration of Arts and Technology in classroom inclusion setting UCP’s Mission : Providing the best support, therapy, and education for students with special needs to reach their fullest potential in the future. Total operating revenue and support 2010: $6,231,307 A struggle for this school may be a lack of consistent volunteers.

Demographics:

Demographics Who they serve: Cerebral palsy Down syndrome A utism S peech delays Developmental delays Vision and Hearing impairments Mainstream students Twenty-one spacious classrooms with a maximum occupancy of 350 students throughout facility. Two playgrounds, nature area, and a ball field Therapy/Gross motor skills room

Engagement Activities:

Engagement Activities Activities: Learning in Mrs. Casey’s Kindergarten Class In classroom learning occurred on Thursdays for 2-4 hours between 9:00am and 2:00pm (10 hours) Classroom Activities: Learning about bugs Valentine’s Day card creating Art/Music class spectator Supervision during lunch and recess Learned about speech impediments by watching a speech-pathologist in action Fitness with Friends Fair – Face painter, donator, activity break down crew (5 hours)

Participant Demographics:

Participant Demographics Age range: 5-9 (50 students) Ethnic and Cultural Backgrounds: Caucasian, Asian, African American, and Hispanic Linguistics Background: Primarily English, few Spanish ESOL students Exceptionalities: Down-syndrome, mental retardation, motor and learning disabilities Individuals are considered persons with specific learning disabilities because they may have the following according to I.D.E.A.: The child does not achieve adequately for the child’s age or to meet State-approved grade-level standards. ( http:// idea.ed.gov )

Service in Action:

Service in Action

Perceptions of Differences:

Perceptions of Differences Initial thoughts: At first, I was very apprehensive because I never worked with students with exceptionalities. Now I want to work with these students in the future. This experience has completely changed my entire outlook on this population. Impactful experiences: Student with Down Syndrome- following class guidelines Student with exceptional ability and care for sister during lunch Fitness with Friends: Student perception of detail

Connections to Course:

Connections to Course EEX 4070 Course Topics I better understand: Communication disorders- fields of study and who helps these students in need Emotional/Behavioral disorders and their impact on the student (frustration, social interaction, and effects on learning) Teacher implications to have a positive environment for all students. How it has changed me The knowledge I gained from this experience affects the way I perceive these students. Now I want to be a part of their lives. I feel I have a more in depth knowledge of the disorders that affects the lives of these children. I believe now, I possess better classroom management skills and will be able to help my students reach their fullest potential by employing specific accommodations to fulfill the needs of each individual learner.

Civic Engagement:

Civic Engagement My perspective on Civil engagement and volunteering: I believe civil engagement is vital to grow culturally and intellectually. These experiences are a time that shows students what life is really like and is a true learning experience that cannot be fulfilled in the classroom. I believe ALL people should become active participants in their community to become better people who are able to see past stereotypes and discrimination. This experience has motivated to be more engaged in the future in schools and throughout my community. I would encourage both students and teachers to embrace service-learning because it gives real insight to struggles and achievements made by children who are a part of their community.

Final Thoughts:

Final Thoughts Final Thoughts: I truly learned more about disabilities by the knowledge I gained from this experience. I have come to realize that these children aren’t less intelligent (my initial reaction) they just think and act differently. The students care more about having friends, being loved, and doing well in life. I truly admired all the staff at UCP and hope to continue my volunteer experience here in the future. Future Steps: Education after Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders while continuing my service learning experiences Become a Speech-Language Pathologist and help students better understand methods of communicating effectively