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Reflection Paper

Reflection Paper: Life Enrichment Center Summer 2023 Internship

Daniela Hernandez

College of Health Sciences, Georgia College & State University

KINS 4306: Summer 2023 Internship

Dr. Helen DuPree

July 7, 2023
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Introduction

My name is Daniela Hernandez and I was an intern from May 8th through July 31st.

Throughout my internship at the Life Enrichment Center in Milledgeville, Georgia, I completed

456 hours of service to the organization. The Life Enrichment Center was established in 1967

and it is a private nonprofit program for adults with intellectual disabilities living in and around

the Baldwin County area. The mission of the Life Enrichment Center is to support and maximize

the quality of life for adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities through person-

centered, community-based programs and services. Some of the services offered within the

LEC’s facilities are music therapy, performing arts groups, photography, gardening, art

education, and ceramics. As for external programs, the Life Enrichment Center provides dance

aerobics via the use of Bodyplex’s facilities and allows individuals to practice barista skills in

partnership with Morning Grind, which is a local coffee shop in Milledgeville, Georgia. Through

the myriad of programming found at the Life Enrichment Center, the organization primarily

serves individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities—such disabilities can range

from Down’s syndrome to autism. By serving this population, there are multiple levels of

staffing required. There is the Executive Director who oversees the entire center, manages

budgets, and ensures compliances with regulations. The Program Manager is responsible for

managing the day-to-day operations of the programs and services offered at the center. They

coordinate staff, oversee program implementation, and ensure the well-being of the individuals

served. As for day-to-day interactions with the individuals at the center, Direct Support

Professionals are staff members who provide direct care and support to individuals with

intellectual and developmental disabilities. They assist with daily living activities, personal care,

transportation, and facilitate participation in various enrichment programs. Additionally, the

that encompass a wide range of areas such as emotional expression, communication skills, and

motor coordination. As for art therapists, they provide materials and techniques to individuals

that allow individuals to engage in the creative process and express their thoughts and

experiences. Finally, the center employs administrative staff that handles scheduling, billing, and

record-keeping.

Description of Experiences

As a public health intern at this organization, I assisted in the development,

implementation, and evaluation of public health programs tailored to the specific needs of

individuals with IDD—this included yoga and VR enrichment. Furthermore, I collaborated with

a multidisciplinary team, including therapists and direct support professionals in order to

contribute to interdisciplinary projects (e.g. the launching of an Urban Arts Village opening,

Coffee-for-a-Cause outreach, and International Day programming). Finally, I collected and

analyzed data in order to assess the impact of interventions and make recommendations for

improvements. Some of the most rewarding aspects of my internship is the relationship building

aspect of individuals with IDD as getting to know them on a personal level, learning about their

unique qualities, and witnessing their growth and progress. Secondly, I found it fulfilling to

assist with programs, supporting activities, and providing educational resources, as I could see

the direct impact of my efforts on the lives of those individuals at the center. Finally, I loved to

gain a deeper understanding of disability-related issues, challenge my own assumptions and

biases, and develop a greater appreciation for the resilience, strengths, and capabilities of

individuals with IDD. Some of the harder aspects of this internship included adapting to the wide

range of abilities, communication styles, and support requirements that the individuals had at the
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center. In addition to such problem, I also found it difficult to build rapport and trust with the

individuals as gaining their confidence can be challenging. It required patience, consistency, and

empathy to foster such positive relationships with the individuals. The final challenging aspect of

my internship was operating with limited resources. I often found myself having to be

resourceful and find creative ways to work within these constraints, ensuring that the individuals

served still received quality care and enrichment.

Perception and Evaluation of the Internship

The internship at the Life Enrichment Center was an incredibly transformative experience

for myself and my aspirations of becoming a lawyer for marginalized communities. Hence, it

met my personal expectations. This internship provided a unique opportunity to gain firsthand

exposure to a marginalized community and understand their specific challenges and needs.

Working closely with individuals with IDD fosters empathy and compassion, as it allows interns

to witness their daily struggles and triumphs, and develop a deeper appreciation for the resilience

and strength exhibited by such populations.

Interacting with individuals with IDD also sheds light on the various legal issues that

affect their lives. These may include matters such as discrimination, access to healthcare,

education, employment, and guardianship rights. Being exposed to these issues firsthand inspired

me to delve deeper into the specific legal areas that impact marginalized communities. It

motivated me to specialize in fields such as disability rights, social justice, or public interest law,

where I can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it.

My organization was open to ideas and contributions from interns. They often recognized

that interns can contribute new ideas, innovative approaches, and a fresh energy to the work

being done. Interns were encouraged to actively participate in team discussions, share their
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thoughts, and propose creative solutions to the challenges faced by individuals with IDD. My

ideas and contributions were valued in areas such as program development, advocacy initiatives,

research projects, and community outreach efforts. Hence, the center provided a supportive

environment that fostered open communication, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas

between interns, staff members, and other professionals involved in the center's work. This

collaborative approach helped create a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere where everyone's

contributions were appreciated and valued.

The supervision provided by my internship site supervisor was highly effective and

aligned with my preferred work style. They recognized and respected my need for independence

and allowed me to work autonomously. Hence, this level of trust and autonomy allowed me to

excel and perform at my best during the internship. However, the supervisor provided guidance

and support when needed, always ensuring that I had the necessary resources and information to

carry out my work effectively. Their hands-off approach fostered a sense of ownership and

responsibility for my projects, empowering me to take initiative and make meaningful

contributions. Therefore, my internship provided a supportive and enriching environment that

couldn’t have been improved.

For future interns who value autonomy, the opportunity to take on independent projects,

and thrive in busy and fast-paced environments, this setting could be a great fit. It offers the

chance to develop strong time management skills, take initiative, and work on multiple tasks

simultaneously. However, it's important to note that this setting may not be suitable for everyone.

Some individuals may prefer more guidance, structured supervision, or a slower-paced

environment to build their skills and gain confidence. It's crucial for future interns to assess their

own preferences, work style, and capacity to handle a busy and independent setting before
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deciding if it aligns with their goals and aspirations. In essence, I would enjoy a career in a

similar environment as many legal professions and industries have fast-paced and autonomous

work settings, where individuals are expected to manage multiple tasks, take initiative, and work

independently.

Internship Preparedness

I was well prepared for the placement, academically. For example, I had knowledge of

human development across the lifespan, including theories of cognitive, emotional, and social

development. Additionally, I had knowledge of inclusive education practices, promoting

community integration, and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with IDD.

Secondly, for my final project, my skills in data analysis and research writing allowed me to

write clear, concise, and organized research papers, reports, and proposals. I was able to analyze

various processes of research design, literature reviews, ethical considerations, and have proper

citation practices. Hence, those were the areas that I was particularly strong in. An area that I was

least confident in was the understanding the principles and practices of special education,

including instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and individualized education plans

(IEPs). Furthermore, effective communication with individuals with IDD was hard for me to

establish as I had little to no experience with augmentative and alternative communication

(AAC) systems.

Some of the coursework that I partook in during my undergraduate years that was most

relevant to my experience at the Life Enrichment Center was Research Methods and Statistics as

during that course I was able to fully cement my data analysis comprehension and cement proper

citation practices. Furthermore, a course I also found particularly helpful was Introduction to

Public Health as that course cemented my passion for public health. The overview of the field of
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public health, including its history, core concepts, and the role of public health in promoting

population health and preventing disease was absolutely fascinating to learn.

A goal for the School of Health and Human Performance regarding future public health

majors may be to better train young health professionals in alternative communication systems in

order for them to garner perspective on working with diverse individuals. For example,

American Sign Language can become required coursework as well as the use of communication

boards and eye-gaze systems. This would make GCSU’s graduates desirable for the workforce

upon graduation.

Internship Performance

I honed in into my patience and understanding skills as individuals with IDD may

communicate and process information differently. Additionally, I acquired the ability to

collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community organizations to develop and implement

services that address the specific needs of individuals with IDD. Finally, I worked on my cultural

competence. As a public health professional, I strive to be as culturally competent as possible for

it is with understanding and respecting the unique cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of

individuals with IDD that true health equity may be reached.

Overall, I was satisfied with my performance on assignments. For example, I quickly

prioritized tasks, set realistic goals, and allocated sufficient time to complete each task

effectively. Secondly, I rarely missed deadlines and avoided last minute rushes. In essence, I

provided high-quality work within the timeframe provided. A skill I will be honing after

graduation is to familiarize myself with AAC systems—including their features, symbols, and

functionalities. I believe that public health professionals should stay updated on advancements in

AAC systems, research, and best practices.

My internship has impacted my professional goals as through hands-on tasks and projects, I

have developed technical skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and

adaptability. By experiencing firsthand the challenges and rewards of working with individuals

with IDD has solidified my commitment to working in the field of marginalized communities.

As for personal skills, I have gained immense confidence in being adaptable and flexible as it

allowed me to adjust approaches, methods, and strategies to meet individuals’ needs. I have also

developed flexibility that involved learning different communication styles and finding creative

solutions to overcome barriers. Finally, I grew comfortable in being open to new experiences,

adjusting to shifting circumstances, and embracing different perspectives and approaches

contribute to successful outcomes and effective support.

In regards to my academic skills, I have become familiar with theories and models of IDD, as

well as current research and best practices in the field. I have also honed my research skills, such

as literature review, data collection, and analysis. In the future, I hope to contribute to research

projects where I can enrich the academic understanding of IDD and support evidence-based

practices in the field.

Since I worked in the field of providing services for the enrichment of adult with individuals

with IDD, I have learned that my organization is key in providing resources, workshops and

educational programs to raise awareness about health issues, disease prevention, healthy

lifestyles, and access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the Life Enrichment Center is also

dedicated to the offer of various programs and resources aimed at promoting healthy aging,

enhancing quality of life, and addressing specific challenges faced by seniors, such as healthcare

access, social isolation, caregiver support, and age-related conditions. These services may
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include healthcare, social activities, housing assistance, transportation, and support for

maintaining independence and overall well-being. Therefore, this organization has distinct goals,

strategies, and approaches to address the needs and challenges of the Baldwin County IDD

Community.