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.

When working with people with disabilities of all ranges, it is important to create a PE program that allows modifications. Deryk and I were able to engage the classroom by providing clear examples of each exercise. This included the challenge to find the right camera angles to show the correct body motions with the short lag between three computers in a Zoom meeting—something I am sure everyone has had a taste of this past year. Coach Deryk created a different routine each week allowing the students to experience different types of workouts and activities. When I reached out to Deryk about this article, he was excited to share his experience with FDOA:

“I got involved with the FDOA because I wanted an experience that was not only unique to anything I have done before but was meaningful. What makes this organization so special is that you’re not just volunteering or working for a typical sport organization, you are making a genuine impact by influencing the lives of people who are viewed as less than by society. Being able to help eliminate the stigma is a reward in itself.”

Deryk helped me get accustomed to the dynamics of teaching virtually, which has allowed me to continue my experience with FDOA.

After a rewarding and enjoyable semester volunteering, the opportunity to be a Miracle Coach and head coach for the virtual PE classes with Raa Middle School opened up. I had an interview with Laurie LoRe-Gussak, the FDOA executive director, and Kevin Taylor, the communications and marketing director, which went successfully. Coaching on both Wednesdays and Fridays has allowed me to foster a relationship with the students, as well as with Natalia Mendoza, another FSU student. Natalia helps with the PE programs on both days and is one of the three direct interns with FDOA. For Natalia, “working with FDOA has been one of the most rewarding experiences, as they are a true example of inclusion. I started this experience without knowing the impact it would have on me. My internship with the organization has allowed me to find my purpose as a professional and as a person.”

Personally, FDOA has given me the opportunity to continue and grow as someone who will be heading out into the real world shortly. Although coaching virtually had its obstacles, we found moments of laughter and lightheartedness by sharing pets or incorporating one of the many viral dance moves into the workouts. I am thankful to be a part of this incredible group of people who understand that life is a gift, and recreation is one of the many gifts that life itself provides. This year has been a challenge for everyone, but through these kids, I have learned a lot about what it means to keep a positive and hopeful mindset.