OK, wow, what an experience!

[myke]

So today, I went and worked at a disabled school for the day, I was helping them to record an advert and then I'm going to edit it for them, I was really nervous because I've never worked with/spoken to disabled people before.

I got there and they had dinner all set out and offered me some food, drink and other beverages; they were all so polite! I was pleasantly surprised, 'guests can have what they want first', it was me and a friend. They offered me everything from salad to donuts and god knows what else... It was looking as if it would be a good day, the people I was working with had the physicality of someone of 22 but the mentality of someone who is say 5, I was amazed really (in the most nicest way possible). When I first entered I was really 'on edge', I had a crap day so far and I walked in to find it was very much like a hospital, and I hate hospitals so much, but the classrooms where like really nice and welcoming. The people added to this, they were welcoming and warm too.

So we got recording, they were really good actors, they had such good manners, really! We got about 7 scenes done in the space of 2 hours - which I think is pretty good.

They were so happy that me and my friend had gone there, and we were so happy that we could be a help to them.

It really does just make you think, because you can't deny it, most people will see someone who is less able and most likely forget that they are just like us, they have feelings, wishes, dreams and lives.

Today has really been such a good experience... I am really happy with myself too, they are so excited and cant wait to get editing it for them so to see their faces!

I'm so proud and happy lol... it might not be a biggy to others, but it is to me.

[Nicola]

Aww, sounds like you had a really good day Myke, and that's a really nice thing of you and your friend to do

I did something similar when I went on my work experience. We cooked with them, made things in their art classes, went to a dance class with them and took them for walks. It was lovely.

I was extremely nervous aswell that I wouldn't be able to understand them and things because I'd feel pretty bad if I couldn't. By the end of the week I didn't want to leave! I was terrified on my first day though because one of the residents had a seizure, and if I'd been on my own in the room with him I wouldn't have known what to do.

I got to see a hydrotherapy session aswell which was pretty emotional for me.

It really is a great experience and they seemed to enjoy my company and I enjoyed theirs which made me pretty happy

I hope all the editing goes well and I hope they love it!

[myke]

Yeah, I was really worried about that too, one guy had an illness that made him hit everyone, I was pretty worried about that, but he was fine!

Glad you had fun to SuperDic. :-) A few times I just said 'really? ' and smiled because I didn't understand, or 'ooo check you out'

[Swastika]

Good to see somebody doing good for the community, good on you pal.

[Nixt]

Oh that's so sweet I think I just fell in love with you. It's really nice to see someone benefit positively from something like that and come out and show that they feel that way. My mum used to teach at a school for disabled children (up to the age of 18) and I spent a lot of time there, so I have always been quite touchy on the subject when people feel it is okay to insult people who are more disadvantaged.

Good on you, I say.

[Black_Apalachi]

Sounds like everyone involved benefited. Nice one

[myke]

thanks i'm still really happy with it lol

[Inseriousity.]

My uncle has down's syndrome and it really annoys me when people assume he can't have a life because of it. He now lives in his own house (with a carer ofc, he's not entirely independant but more independant than they're made out to be). I'm glad to see you can see the positive side of things!

[flatface]

aww thats soo cute myke!!

I've spent a week helping in a disabled school and it was totally different to how I thought it would be, had a lot of fun!

[Tintinnabulate]

You should go to Vitalise. Its seriously amazing. I went and stayed in the Nottingham one for a week. Its for disabled people. You have to wake them up, dress them, wash them, feed them, talk to them etc. Its so much fun and you meet some amazing people. It makes you realise how difficult life for them is and how hard it is for their regular carers. I would have loved to have stayed for another week.