Initially, I wanted to do a project about education and equality and thought I would visit the ILC campus. Many ILC students have health issues and need specialized care, so I wanted to discuss how we meet their needs. In doing so I found a lack of teachers and underpaid staff. In researching I realized that many aids are paid less than many of the high school students that work at various places; like In and Out or Mcdonalds for example. I had a hard time finding anyone who wanted to share their story or have time for a conversation.
Although we all see these students around, they are an overshadowed part of our school, something that isn’t really talked about much, so I thought I could shine some light on them. The initial conclusion I came to was the Special needs kids need more community. I feel like the G wing doesn’t get brought up that much, and most people such as myself don’t know too much about what goes on down there or the kids that are involved.
I decided since I ran into so many roadblocks, I wanted to at least bring some cheer into their day. There kind and wonderful teacher Ms.Sedley arranged the visit. There are several students who love art and I wanted to connect with them and just share my 3-D printing journey with them by modeling and making them a little figure to have. I’m hoping that if the kids down there were feeling left out or disconnected in any way that this would let them know that they are noticed.
