Mentally Disabled People example essay topic

Should I work with the mentally disabled? Will they attack me? What happens if I am the only person there? Will I be alone? These were my exact thoughts when Mr. Silva assigned us our service learning project. I had heard from almost all my friends that the mentally disabled people were disgusting, dumb and ugly.

Hearing them, I got scared. Although I was scared I decided to take a challenge to see how it really was helping and interacting with this group. By interacting with this group, I learned that many of the stereotypes that were made about them were untrue. I learned to look at these people as humans, with unfortunate disabilities. As I volunteered in the Special Olympics, I gradually learned more and more, and became more comfortable with this group. Overall, through my research, common sense, and volunteering, I learned a lot about this group.

When I started this project, I was not so sure about getting involved with mentally disabled people. This idea somewhat scared me. I also knew that when I saw a mentally disabled child, I had an inclination to go away. My thoughts were a perfect example of the prejudice, stereotypes, and problems that mentally disabled individuals face today. Before beginning my research, and from what I had already observed, I noticed that generally people think badly of or down upon mentally disabled people. They believe that mentally disabled people are dumb, illiterate, annoying, and ugly.

People even think that the mentally disabled do not have a right to exist in this world. These different stereotypes, or generalizations against certain peoples, lead to many average individuals being prejudiced against the mentally disabled. Prejudices and stereotypes are primary reasons for mentally disabled not being accepted as part of the mainstream. They are considered "unclean" in a way that people make it obvious that they do not want to be associated with these "different" individuals. I did and do not agree that these people do not have a right to exist, but I did think that they were a bit annoying and they were not smart.

However, I accept that I, myself, had been following stereotypes, and that I was wrong. This is why I chose the mentally disabled as my project. By doing this, I could take a step to helping them associate with average people, feel accepted, and being understood as citizens of humanity. Overall, I knew that I would end up with a good feeling in my heart, that I was doing a good thing, although I was a little scared. I learned a lot about mentally disabled individuals in my research articles. Surprisingly, I was right in my ideas of the prejudice, stereotypes, and problems the mentally disabled faced.

The mentally disabled are often mistreated and are secluded from society. They are constantly put down by average humans, and are not accepted as humans. They are "invisible", as Harriet Johnson states. The mentally disabled are ignored and segregated from average individuals, because of the "queer" atmosphere the mentally disabled create. Some mentally disabled individuals are mistakenly put in asylums, where no one cares for them.

Brian East even claims that he saw mentally disabled woman ramming her bloody head on metal bars. Unfortunately, no one went to aid her. Some think that it is harmful for the disabled to have special classes, although I do not agree with this. There are special institutions or places, such as the Special Olympics, where the mentally disabled can associate with each other, and other average volunteers.

Overall, my research taught me a lot about the mentally disabled and helped me decide what I was going to do to help my group. To help my group, I became a volunteer coach for basketball in the Special Olympics. I know I made a significant difference by volunteering as a coach for basketball. I think I made a difference because I added that little amount of joy that every individual needs, in these mentally disabled people's lives. I would have liked to volunteer and organize one of these events.

However, one has to be sixteen to do that and I am only fourteen. I believe that educating people about the mentally disabled might encourage them to serve this group through volunteer efforts. Also those volunteers, who have had a good experience, should tell others about it. This way, by hearing experiences from normal people, others may be encouraged to join as well. All in all, I had a great experience, and I am sure that if others try, they will get the same good feeling that I had.

I learned many things through this service project. At first, when I entered the Moreland Community Center, I was really scared. As soon as I entered, some mentally disabled individuals, Cassie and Marisol especially, came running up to me recognizing me as a new volunteer. As I gradually became accustomed to my greeting, and the individuals there, I started loving my "job". All the volunteers there were very nice and made me feel like I was part of a big family. I learned one very important thing.

I realized that just because some individuals are mentally disabled, doesn't mean that they are different. It means that they are unfortunate enough to have this disability, and other than that, they are normal human beings. They have feelings, and although their mental development is slow, they can be treated as average individuals too. I learned that working with them was like working with little kids, and once I thought of volunteering there in that way, I started having a good time.

This experience definitely negated the stereotypes I have heard. As I said before, the mentally disabled are regular human beings, except for the fact that their mental development is slow. Along with everything else, I also learned that a person could make a difference, even a little difference, if he or she wants to. I know I made a difference and if I made a difference anyone can. I do believe that more students should have this experience. It would open their eyes, letting them realize how lucky they are and how everyone is an individual, and everyone is different.

I do not think that this project can be improved, because I found no faults. Hand in hand, by volunteering in the Special Olympics, I had a great time, I learned many things, and my views on mentally disabled people drastically changed. This service learning project helped me develop as an individual. It helped me open my eyes and acknowledge the realities of this world. It helped me mature, and made me realize how lucky and fortunate I was. Volunteering as a coach gave me a good feeling.

It allowed be to become a better person and be less critical of others. Know I look at others and recognize their differences in an optimistic way. Know I look back ashamed, knowing that was once a part of the group that verbally mistreated mentally disabled individuals. Even though I am ashamed, I also feel good knowing that I corrected my mistake, and as an outcome became a better person. In general, volunteering at the Special Olympics helped me develop into a better individual, and I plan on volunteering throughout the year. Overall, this service learning project changed my views about the mentally disabled, made me, as a person, feel good, and most of all made me realize that the mentally disabled are human beings too.