Polar Express

I hosted a Polar Express event for EveryONE Counts and I had a wonderful turnout! I hosted this event over Christmas break on December 19 for children between the ages of 3-14 years old. I read the polar express to all of the children because it was almost Christmas and they loved it! All of the children participated in a coloring contest and the coloring sheets had different children with disabilities on them. While the children colored we talked as a group about what a disability is, what children that have disabilities might need, and if they knew anyone that has a disability. Many of the children had friends that have a disability and they told me how they helped their friends with disabilities. It was a wonderful learning experience and a chance for the children to understand that any child with a disability is just like they are. After they finished coloring each child told me a way that they could help a child with a disability and that they wanted to be treated just like every normal child does. Below are some of the pictures of the children and their EveryONE Counts coloring sheets!

Two Children I had the opportunity to work with

Last semester I had the privilege to work with two wonderful children! One of the children had Cerebral Palsy and the other child was mildly Autistic. I had the chance to work with them one on one each week. These two children have greatly impacted my life and how I look at life. One of the children was happy just be able to walk around with her walker with her braces on her legs. I noticed that she starved for my attention and I was more than happy to give her every second that I could. This child would have good days and bad days. Her legs would give out on her after she walked with her walker too long. So I helped make some adjustments so that she could get around more comfortably throughout the day. The young boy that was Autistic simply loved it when I sat down and played the drums with him. Playing drums everyday was all he wanted to do and he loved it when someone played the drums with him. After working with children that have disabilities, it's obvious that they want to be treated like every other child. Some people do not know how to approach a child with a disability, but they are just like every other child. They want to be loved and accepted by their classmates and by their teachers. It's amazing how much you can change a child's life by listening to them and giving them your attention.

Sarah

First Time Blogger!

Hello everyone! This is my first blog and I have decided to start blogging so that everyone can see what I am getting to do with my platform, EveryONE Counts! I'm so excited to upload pictures so that everyone can see the wonderful experiences that I am getting to have with children with disabilities. I hope you enjoy my blogs and all of the upcoming experiences that I'm going to get to share with you. Thanks!

Sarah