Discussion Journal 6

This past week has been one of the most eye-opening weeks during the semester. We learned a lot about those with disabilities and our Tuesday experience really showed us how difficult it can be for them. We were assigned a building and had a checklist to determine if the building was assessable for someone with a disability. It was really upsetting when we learned that the building where we have our Thursday class is perhaps assessable but it is not useable. The women's washroom door handle was hard for me to open, as it was really high up, and I wasn't in a wheelchair, so I could only imagine how difficult it would be for someone who was. I was also extremely hurt by the lady who was rude in one of the offices in the building. She was almost annoyed that Hugo and I asked if there was another washroom for someone who was in a wheelchair.

The whole experience really changed the way I felt about the little things. Right now I am in a brace for my wrist because I hit the diving board. I took for granted being able to do my hair or get dressed by myself. I never took it into perspective that people struggle with that every day of their life. I have been complaining about the past two weeks and there are people who have been dealing with it their whole lives. It's the simple things we overlook when it comes to those with disabilities. Like in the JWB building the fact there is a water fountain that is the height for someone in a wheelchair, but it doesn't work.

I had the chance to volunteer at the Special Olympics Utah during fall break and it was such an amazing experience. I was able to think about everything we learned during the past week and really incorporate it into volunteering. I had the job of ushering in the athletes and then to talk with them and hand out glow sticks during their dance. The environment was amazing! They had a place where they were able to participate in active living in a safe and fun environment. Everything was catered to them and everything was lined up so they could be successful and have a great time. I met so many amazing people and they told me about the two-pointers they got in their basketball game, or that their team has been undefeated, or that they won their butterfly swimming event. It was so great seeing their positive energy and love for the sport. Every one of them did it based on intrinsic motivation. They did their sport because they loved it, for them the medals and titles were just a bonus. I have had the chance to look at people with disabilities in a different light and I really take that second look to make sure things can accommodate them as well.

For my participation/attendance grade I feel it's a little difficult to judge. I missed a few classes, but I was really sick and I hit the diving board, so I wasn't able to make it to class, so my attendance was hindered. However every time I attended class I fully participated and was engaged in the conversations and discussions. I feel if the grade was based solely on participation I feel I would be close to a 50/50, but since the attendance is a factor, I would have to lower my score. Not attending wasn't my choice but it is still my responsibility and I did miss some material. It's hard giving yourself a grade but I would say around 40/50.