Author

Sarah Mueller

Date Approved

2014

Date Posted

3-3-2014

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Special Education

First Advisor

Mehmet E. Yaya

Second Advisor

Harash Sachdev

Abstract

College institutions often emphasize the importance of service learning for their students. After research revealed a lack of volunteer opportunities for college aged individuals with disabilities, a pilot program was developed to examine the benefits of service for this population, as well as their peers without disabilities. The project involved college undergraduates and young adults with an intellectual or developmental disability. After a weeklong service trip together, benefits were discussed and evaluated. Benefits to the participants with disabilities included pride, skill development and generalization, empowerment, and increases in social interaction. Benefits to the participants without disabilities included positive attitude change, increased social interaction, and attainment of knowledge about social-justice issues.

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