Students in PT 8320: Management of the Pediatric Client taught by Marisa Birkmeier engage in community service projects with local organizations who serve youth and families.These projects provide valuable hands-on experience working with pediatric populations and families facing various challenges.
For information about Community Engaged Scholarship at GW: https://go.gwu.edu/cesc
Semester Reports
Spring, 2024
Students Reporting: 25
Time Reported: 118 hours
Students in PT 8320 engaged in community service projects with two primary organizations. These projects provided valuable hands-on experience working with pediatric populations and families facing various challenges.
HSC Kids in Action: Students participated in multiple events, including Teen Nights and Healthy You programs. They planned and led activities, assisted with set-up and clean-up, and worked directly with children and teens with various disabilities. Activities included adaptive sports, arts and crafts, and healthy snack preparation.
Community of Hope: Students volunteered at Fam-Club events, which provide support for families experiencing homelessness. They organized games, crafts, and activities for children, giving parents a chance to relax and connect with resources.
Student Comments:
"I learned that accommodations can be made for any activity and it just requires creativity and open-mindedness." - A student reflecting on their experience with HSC Kids in Action
"This volunteer opportunity was very impactful as I got to interact with community members and I could see how happy the children and parents were to have this time and activities offered at Fam Club." - A student who volunteered with Community of Hope
"I learned how to adapt activities for people with different medical conditions and gained experience working with a pediatric (teen) population." - A student who assisted with Teen Nights at HSC Kids in Action
"It was nice to have a hands-on experience working with a group of kids with different personalities and levels of ability and directly trying to come up with activities that would keep them all entertained and moving." - A student reflecting on their experience teaching adaptive sports
"I learned that you need to be adaptable to every child's specific needs because they have varying learning abilities." - A student who volunteered with the Healthy You program
These community engagement experiences provided PT students with valuable opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, develop crucial communication and adaptation skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse needs within pediatric populations. The projects not only benefited the students' professional development but also made a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the Washington, D.C. community.
