PROGRAM NEWS A VIRTUAL, INCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP By Inde Lauer
Since 1990, the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association’s (FDOA) mission has been to “enrich lives through accessible, inclusive recreation for all.” Outdoor recreation and activity are proven to enhance mental wellness as well as physical wellbeing. FDOA is run by a Board of Directors as well as their staff, which includes three interns. Volunteers also play an impactful role in the multitude of programs this organization has to offer. During my sophomore year, I was able to volunteer with Special Olympics via the Exceptional Students program at Raa Middle School in Tallahassee. The two classes I helped with, Ms. Caine’s class and Ms. Biehler’s class, consisted of twenty or so bubbly, funny, outgoing, and special kids. Immediately I knew that this was more than just a volunteer opportunity. The summer of 2020 following my sophomore year, I worked as an aide and respite care worker for Catalina, a 13-year-old girl with Rett Syndrome. She attended an outdoor summer camp that included activities such as swimming, tennis, soccer, and sailing. My goal was for
her to be actively included and engaged in activities, usually by modifying them to her level of ability. This is where I truly found my passion in serving others. In the fall of 2020, one of my professors and mentors, Dr. Katie Flanagan, reached out to the FSU sport management student body to share a volunteer opportunity as an assistant PE coach for Raa Middle School through FDOA. Soon after, I was one of three volunteer coaches alongside head coach Deryk Hill, a fellow FSU student. Every Friday morning, I led the warmup for Ms. Biehler’s class via Zoom. Her class was able to meet in person following CDC guidelines of being socially distant and wearing masks.
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