Final Reflection

I think my experience has definitely challenged stereotypes or prejudice. Working with mentally challenged and autistic people has taught me that they are just like a regular person, regardless of any handicaps that they have had. Most people I know have never given them a chance simply because they are a little slower and cant communicate as well. When I volunteer with them, it makes me realize that they have interests, such as basketball, which one boy plays every week without failure.

I think that a lot more needs to be done to help with this situation. Especially, with the autistic kids. People don’t really get them, and will write them off as weird and never understand them. Even though they express them differently than us , they have feelings too. To really help the situation there needs to be more acceptance of their conditions and so on.

Service learning has forever impacted my future behaviors. I will never ignore or make fun of people with these disabilities. Through working with these kids, I have learned to accept them for who they are. Others feel uncomfortable around these people. I’m not going to lie, the first time I volunteer I felt awkward. I have gotten more friendly with these kids and have learned a lot from them.