My goal for my project is to aim to help children with disabilities get the education and help that they deserve. Many children are falling behind in schools due to disabilities that are not being addressed a serious issue. Children can suffer with autism or ADD and attend a public school that does not fit their needs. They are lacking in treatment and attention that will guide them into as successful as they can be and meet their true potential. In addition, the school systems themselves do not provide fair treatment to them or their parents by neglecting their issues or failing to give them the special attention they need in order to catch up with other students. Kids in this category can go to the wrong school that doesn’t pay close attention to their needs and are just treated as an unmotivated or bad student, rather than someone who needs additional help. Throughout my initial research, I looked into the AFC (Advocates for Children) organization that helps children with disabilities get into the correct school and or get the correct education that fits their needs. I found that programs helping this cause are extremely necessary in society.
My project would be to create a program for children with disabilities, completely run by parents whose children suffer from disabilities. This would work better than anyone else running the program because these parents can truly understand and provide fair and thoughtful help to other children and parents who are going through the same situations that they are currently struggling with. My program would be held in free spaces such as libraries or churches, and not cost anything for the participants. Parents who have kids struggling with disabilities in the education system are the most understanding and willing to help others. The program would consist of meetings, activities, and fundraisers to further the cause of helping disabled children find normalcy in terms of friendships, education, and support. The kids will be able to play together and have a bully free safe zone for them to grow and prosper. In addition to the children socializing and learning together, all of their parents will have an outlet to discuss issues they face in the education system or at home, and offer each other advice on how to help their child reach their full potential. For my prototype I want to create flyers, stickers, and other merchandise to advertise the program across the city and get as many people involved as possible. I would like to create a sort of movement that will spread through the city by creating sticker, flyers, and even social media advertisements that spread the words and reach a larger audience.
This project will be sustainable because there is no cost or negative effects, and its optional to continue attending. Since it takes places at various libraries and churches, there is no cost for venue or participation. In addition, it provides help and service from and to the same demographic, so it a cycle of helping and learning.
