This document summarizes the author's service learning experience at UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Central Florida. The author volunteered in a VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) classroom for children ages 4-5, three of whom had Latin/Spanish backgrounds. Three students in the classroom had disabilities: autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. The author found the experience both rewarding and difficult at times, and felt they gained a better understanding of topics like person-first language, inclusive schooling, and a teacher's responsibilities from volunteering. The author believes service learning is necessary, especially for future teachers, to gain skills and knowledge to work with all students, including those with

1. Working With Students With Disabilities Bobbi Fratto bfratto@knights.ucf.edu 07/25/11 EEX4070

2. Introduction to the Host Setting UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Central Florida. http://www.ucpcfl.org/ Located at: 12702 Science DriveOrlando, FL 32826Phone: (407) 852-3300Fax: (407) 281-0422 35,000 square feet facility 21 Classrooms “Our unique programs provide an exceptional environment for children and families to learn, and more importantly, grow. Our holistic approach to support, education, and therapy provides “one stop shopping” to more than 2,400 children who receive all the services they need in one place” Students range in age from infant/toddler up to third grade. The campus also provides physical, speech and occupational therapy for children with special needs up to age 21.

3. Engagement Activities Community Need: A better understanding of children with disabilities. Activities: Outside/play time, word walls, letter of the day books/activities, art, lunch and snack time. Volunteer Hours: Two-three times a week for two weeks.

4. Engagement Activities Continued

5. Participant Demographics VPK Classroom Ages 4-5 Three students were of Latin/Spanish backgrounds Students with disabilities in the classroom: Three Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome

6. Perceptions Of Differences Rewarding Difficult at times Play time had the best observation moments Did not know what to expect.

7. Connections to the Course EEX 4070; Teacher: Edgar Topics I better Understand: 1. Person-first 2. Inclusive Schooling 3. Teacher Responsibility * For my future classroom, I now have more of the skills and knowledge I will need to ensure students with disabilities can succeed in my classroom.

8. Civic Engagement Importance: Understanding, skills, knowledge Societal purpose: Gives people without/with disabilities a better understanding of working with children, students, teachers, and those with and without disabilities. Improves people skills. Service learning is a necessary experience, especially as a future teacher, to gain knowledge and skills to become a better teacher in your classroom. Teachers and students should embrace service learning now, and in the future

9. Final Thoughts and Reflections http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.4356939/k.BF85/Home.htm Autism http://www.familiesexploringdownsyndrome.org/events.html Down Syndrome http://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/calendar.htm Cerebral Palsy Teachers spend almost as much time with their students as the students’ parents. This means that teachers play a huge role in children’s lives, as they grow, learn and mature. Teachers not only help children academically, but because they spend so much time with them, they help students with right and wrong, and many other areas. Teachers can help parents of students with and without disabilities better understand these children.

10. UCP