Community Service 15 Hours + Typed Summary = 20 Points

Community Service (15 hours + typed summary = 20 points) Submit this form and your summary on Blackboard

For this assignment, you are required to complete 15 hours of community service related to supporting individuals with disabilities, along with a typed summary of your experience. You must list all agencies, schools, or individuals you worked with, including contact information, and specify any monetary donations made, including the amount and the recipient organization. This documentation will be used for final evaluation of your experience.

Paper For Above instruction

Engaging in community service offers a vital opportunity to understand and support individuals with disabilities, fostering empathy, awareness, and social responsibility. My involvement in this assignment included volunteering at a local food donation event organized through Albertson’s in partnership with KRQE, aimed at raising food donations for families in need. During this activity, I contributed to the collection effort at Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa, CA, which resulted in a total donation of $75. Although my duties were primarily logistical, it provided a firsthand look into community efforts to support vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities.

My motivations stemmed from a deep respect for individuals with disabilities and an understanding of the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities. Experiencing their resilience and strength challenged my perceptions, emphasizing that disability does not define a person's worth or potential. People with disabilities often demonstrate remarkable perseverance; they face physical or mental challenges daily yet continue to pursue their dreams and contribute to society. This class and the associated community service have profoundly influenced my perspective, inspiring me to become more actively involved in advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities.

Throughout my service, I observed that many individuals with disabilities exhibit a spirit of determination and independence, often surpassing expectations placed upon them by society. Their strength and resilience serve as powerful reminders that disability is only a part of their identity and does not diminish their capabilities or aspirations. Recognizing this, I believe society must foster an environment of respect and inclusion, giving people with disabilities the same opportunities and spaces as everyone else. Sadly, societal practices sometimes hinder this inclusion through discrimination or neglect, which must be challenged and transformed.

My personal reflection includes a wish that I could have dedicated more time physically volunteering. Due to other commitments, I was limited in my direct engagement; however, I made a monetary donation of $75 to support the cause. While I acknowledge that financial contributions alone cannot replace active participation, I hope that my donation can make a meaningful difference in the organization’s efforts to serve people with disabilities. Supporting community initiatives is an essential part of fostering social change and demonstrating solidarity with marginalized populations.

This experience has reinforced the importance of community involvement and the need for continuous advocacy for disability rights. It has also highlighted the importance of empathy and the power of small contributions, whether time, effort, or monetary support. Every action counts in creating a more inclusive society, where individuals of all abilities can thrive and feel valued.

References

• Albrecht, G. L. (2010). The disability business: Power, resistance, and entrepreneurship. Sage Publications.
• Barnes, C., & Mercer, G. (2010). Exploring disability. Polity Press.
• Hughes, B., & Paterson, K. (1997). The social model of disability: An outdated ideology? Research in Social Science & Disability, 2, 9-28.
• Oliver, M. (1996). Understanding disability: From theory to practice. Macmillan.
• Shakespeare, T. (2006). Disability rights and wrongs. Routledge.
• World Health Organization. (2011). World report on disability. WHO Press.
• Feinberg, L. F., & Johnson, M. (2010). Promoting independence for people with disabilities: A lifespan approach. Health Professions Press.
• Black, R. M. (2005). Disability and community participation: An examination of barriers and facilitators. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 15(4), 258-275.
• Schmidt, J. M. (2014). The social construction of disability: Facing the challenge. Disability & Society, 29(8), 1228-1243.
• Siebers, T. (2011). Disability theory. U of Michigan Press.