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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Samantha Looney
EDSP 521/ Liberty University
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Introduction
God always knows. He knows the plans he has for you. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I
know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.” (New International Version, 1971/2011) This is exactly what the
Special Steps program is doing for my local community. “This is exactly what the goals
represent for our students; it is a plan to give them hope for their future.” (Claxton, 2018, p. 46)
The people at Special Steps are following Christ in what He is calling our community to do. If
not me then who? That is exactly what Marcia and others are doing. Our community was lacking
in activities and support for students with disabilities 9th grade and up, outside the school setting.
We do have Justin’s Miracle Field, but not everyone likes baseball, so then what? Enter Special
Steps. They just celebrated their one year anniversary and to see the excitement and
transformation in our community with this program has been amazing.
God knew this is what I needed too. I have known about Special Steps since they started, and
always said to myself I cannot wait to volunteer. Well a year passed and where was I? This class
and this assignment pushed me to where God wanted me, and I am so thankful for that. I cannot
leave now. The joy that I have received being here is beyond anything I could have imagined.
The insights from other parents, volunteers and educators has been uplifting and full. Seeing
strategies in action outside the classroom setting shows just how learning does not stop at the age
of 18 when these young adults leave. This had me really thinking hard about the transition plans
that teachers need to implement and create for students with exceptionalities. “Transition plans
must take into account the student’s current levels of performance, interests and aptitudes,
postsecondary goals, and transition activities.” (Kirk et al., 2018, p.6-8) I absolutely see Special
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Steps as a transition activity. Socialization is so important to our growth as individuals regardless
of disabilities. When creating a transition plan, we must also consider the social aspect for the
student once they leave the school system. I am so happy that this program is there for this aspect
of their lives, and mine. I will continue to pray for this program and their needs and for all those
they serve.
Conclusion
I fully understand how important early intervention is for the student and family. I feel that is
drilled into the education system very well. Through this community engagement project what I
have learned also is how signification a transition plan is for the student leaving the school
system. “Students with disabilities face challenges to transition from school into the workplace
and can benefit from community involvement, particularly in business.” (Almalky & Alqahtani,
2021, p.1) I see the significance. I know the Special Steps program sees it too. The video that
was played for Marcia’s birthday was impactful. Several people telling her happy birthday via
sign language, broken language, just a smile and a wave, it was awe inspiring. It showed just
how much one person means to so many. It showed how by one person following the leading of
the Holy Spirit, they can change a community. Marcia is special, but what is more special is her
obedience and her love of Christ that penetrates throughout and reaches everyone she comes in
contact with, without even saying a word. This is what it is all about. This is why I choose
special education. This is why I will continue to follow where God calls. Loving people
regardless of exceptionalities and circumstances, which is what I choose to do because that is
what Christ did. For me, it is easy to do with all individuals and I thank God for that.
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
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February 1, 2022
Today kicked off a slew of activities centered around Valentines Month for the Special Steps
program. The students that were there were mostly between age 18 and 21, with the exception of
one student who was about 12 years old. The students were all excited to participate in a candy
bar buffet. At first, I was not sure what this could be used for, as far as a learning opportunity but
quickly my eyes were opened. Social, and behavioral lessons were woven in effortlessly.
Socially, everyone chose a table to sit at to chat and decorate their bags. They let their creativity
explode while they commented and laughed at what each other was doing to their bags.
Behavioral lessons were observational on their part as they made their way through the line.
Following the instruction of those assisting, each student had to restrain their desires and curb
their impulse. They had to wait for their table to be called so each person had enough time to dip
their sweets in the chocolate and decorate it with whichever delicious edible was in front of
them. Practicing this patience was tough but they did a wonderful job. While going through the
line, some wanted to use their fingers and hands to grab the items but were quickly redirected to
the proper steps of utensils and dipping. Today was effortless and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed my
time interacting with them and their families as well as the other volunteers. This close-knit
community is special in more ways than one.
February 3, 2022
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The focus today was movement. There were a lot more students today. The class from the high
school joined today and they were a mix of 9th through 12th grade. We played twisted, parachute
with balls, and a game called twangle. Most everyone participated and when others were playing
twister or twangle, others sat and cheered them on. Twister worked great at teaching left hand/
right hand concept as well color recognition. They worked on restraining themselves as well as
being aware of their bodies and their proximity to others. The parachute game with the balls was
a fun activity but also physically taxing on the arms. It was a wonderful whole group activity that
nobody wanted to sit out on. Learning can be more than just a book and worksheets. This is
something I really hope the rest of the education world would notice and incorporate with their
students.
February 8, 2022
What a blessing this day was. I wanted to go and be there, but I was tired and not in such a happy
mood. I went. It was my third time and every time I go, I leave understanding this is where God
wants me. I leave loving people more, the ones with special needs and the ones there to love and
support them. Yesterday they made Valentine’s Day cards. There were a lot of stickers so many
of them had to work hard to peel the backing off. No one got frustrated though. Their excitement
to make cards for their family was beautiful. One thing in particular that I took notice to
yesterday was a new volunteer. She kept referring to them as kids, they were mostly 18-21 years
old, but a few were in the late 20s. The director quickly and politely addressed them as adults.
Dignity. That was the word that came to mind. Just because these young adults, older students,
have a disability, does not mean they are children who deserve to be spoken to as if they were
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toddlers. I appreciated that, thinking about my own son. Education is key, not just for those with
special needs, but for the community as well.
February 10, 2022
A volunteer came in to teach an art class today. She prepared herself to move quickly in case
everyone was falling behind or getting stuck, but she ended up with extra time at the end because
everyone did so well. There was one student I had to assist because her hand strengths could not
manipulate the smaller paint brush to get some of the details. I did not want to make her or
anyone else feel like I was takin their independence. They were very forthcoming in asking for
help when needed. The paintings all came out so nice. They worked on color theory, listening
skills, and motor skills all in one setting. This gives me so many ideas for the classroom and
incorporating many of the arts. It does not just have to be painting, but other crafting projects or
using different mediums to create something for a lesson.
February 15, 2022
Today was exciting. It was the Valentine’s Day Party. The students from the high school joined
us today and there was a house full. Today was much less structured and just a big dance party. I
wondered at first if the music would be too much for some of the students, but it was not. In fact,
I noticed that the majority of everyone there loved the music, the vibrations, and most of all just
the moving around freely with no judgement. They could dance however they wanted, move
however they wanted, and you could see freedom in a lot of their faces. The social norms tell us
we cannot move a certain way, we cannot flap our arms or jump up and down repeatedly without
being considered odd. At most the other gatherings you see many of the students try to compose
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themselves to be “acceptable”, but today that all went out the window and it was beautiful. The
smiles were priceless. I will not forget today.
February 17, 2022
We walked to the high school today from the recreation center. The high school has a Future
Farmers of America program, and they opened their barn doors to the special steps program for a
hands on lesson on goats and pigs. Today the number of participants was almost three times to
size. Marcia, the program director was super excited. She said, “I guess you tell people they can
pet goats and they all come!” It was exciting to see the community support and participation
there. Lots of families came with their high school students and the young adult students. It was
a great mingling session, and the weather was beautiful. Everyone was eager to pet the goats and
the pigs. They got to feed the animals too. Greg, the farmer/teacher, did a great job engaging
everyone and asking questions as well as getting questions out of the students. If you create it,
they will come. So many times I think, and I hear from others, why do it? What if no one comes?
Well, no one will come if there is nothing to come to! This is exciting for my community, the
need is there, and the desire to come is there too. God is good.
February 24, 2022
I love living in southeast Georgia. The weather on this February day was divine. The goal today
was to play hockey in the gym but apparently there was another group that came in and needed
the spot, so they improvised. The program loaded up a cooler with ice, water, and popsicles. A
trip to dollar general provided bubbles, frisbees, and soccer balls. Everyone met at the track and
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blankets were laid out under the shaded spots and we all just played. I needed today. My God.
My God. He knows what we need, when we need it. I did not know I needed this program, but
God did. Truly, so many days I have not felt well, but go to volunteer and my world is changed
and my attitude a complete 180. My spirits are lifted, and joy is put in my heart. They love me
and care about me genuinely. I wish the world would stop being afraid of differences and really
just engage and love the differences. It is beautiful and just full. This class will end soon, but my
time with Special Steps will not.
March 1, 2022
Strategies were seen all over the place today. Today’s plan was indoor hockey and wow I was
surprised. It started out with instructions. Everyone had the general idea of how to play hockey,
but the instructions were really geared toward safety. Marcia had everyone sit on the benches and
she made sure she had their full attention. She modeled how she wanted everyone to hold their
sticks and then how she wanted them to not hold their sticks. She demonstrated explicit
instruction followed by what would happen if they held it the wrong way, which was high above
their heads. If they held it the wrong way they were going to sit down on the bench while she
spoke to them about holding it the right way to avoid hurting others. Once everyone
acknowledged they understood it was game on. I would say I was shocked that there was only
one incident of holding the stick the wrong way, but I was not shocked at all. In a classroom
setting and even out of the classroom, if you give explicit instructions and check for
understanding, most times you will receive the outcome you want. The rest of the time was so
enjoyable watching everyone run across the court and be really into it. I stayed on the sidelines
encouraging them and guiding the others towards which goal they were trying to score in. The
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hour went by so fast; I was sad to watch it come to an end. But Thursday is only two days away
and I cannot wait.
March 3, 2022
Today was a movie day, and a surprise celebration of program director Marcia and her birthday.
The group compiled numerous video clips from students and their families and other members
who are active in the program. Watching the video of several young adults who could barely
speak wish Marcia a happy birthday brought tears to my eyes, and hers too. This is an example
of a well-developed relationship with students and those who have transitioned out of high
school. It was beautiful. The movie was 101 Dalmatians and it was nice to sit and relax with
everyone. We ate pop corn, cake, and other snacks. Then I got a chance to talk with Carson. I
have spoken with him several times, he is one of Marcia’s sons and is on the autism spectrum,
very high functioning and he is 15 years old. He started to open up about his faith and was very
passionate about it. Passionate specifically about God loving him even though he is “quirky” and
different. He got emotional a few times and tried to not cry. Again, I was left in the presence of
awe, and how God speaks to us through His children. If I ever had doubts about where God
wants me, being apart of Special Steps has cleared that all up. I have never felt more in the right
place than where God has me now.
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References
Almalky, H., & Alqahtani, S., (2021). Special education teachers’ reflections on school
transition practices that support partners with business to prepare students with disabilities for
employment in Saudi Arabia. Children and Youth Services Review, 1-8,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105813
Claxton, Bunnie. (2018). Planning, Writing, and Implementing IEPS: A Christian Approach.
Kendall Hunt.
Kirk, S., Gallagher, J., Coleman, M., Hardman, M., Egan, M. W., Drew, C., Gargiulo, R., Metcalf,
D., Boyle, J., Scanlon, D., &
Landrum, J. (2020). Foundations of Exceptionality. Cengage.
New International Version. (1971/2011) NIV Online. https://www.biblegateway.com/
