Special Olympics Interview Report

In high school I had a desire to go to Special Olympics, but when it came down to it, I did not have time and I did not know how to get involved. One day in Foundations of OT we talked about an assignment that we had to participated in which was Special Olympics. I was so excited because I have been wanting to for a very long time. On April 30, 2016 I drove to Westminster Christian Academy excited more than ever, wondering whom was I going to be paired with or if this athlete and I would click. Most of us checked-in at 7:30 a.m.. Hannah and I were assigned Franklin County. We went in the gym excited to meet our buddies. We had an award ceremony and a parade announcing the athletes. When the MC announced us to get with the coaches ours were nowhere in sight. We walked to check-in to find out that out team did not show up, so we were then assigned to Lincoln County Roadrunners. There I met my friend, Thomas. Now by my observations, Thomas had a form of autism. I could not interview his parents because they were not there or his coach because she had to watch other athletes. He had a stepbrother, Erik, who was also an athlete, joining him for the day and was …show more content…
What I learned about myself is that I really like what Special Olympics is all about, from their event itself, to the lives it impacts throughout the years. I cannot wait for next year. How this experience will influence my behavior from here and on out is having the mindset that people with disabilities should never be treated differently. They should have every opportunity that everyone else has, because most have shown that they can be leaders too with our help. They have really opened my eyes to what they are capable of and with that, I can teach them instead of do it for them. This correlates with my OT Practice that with the correct teaching, people are capable of most