3 answers
Makenna
Student
4
Questions
Asked
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What profession is that best to work at with special needs children and adults?
I am a sophomore in high school and I am very interested in the mind of specifically down syndrome children and adults. I would love to work with mentally challenged people so I can one, learn more about their environment and how they live everyday and two, help them the best that I can. #children #working-with-children #downsyndrome
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3 answers
Dave Henry
High school teacher
27
Answers
Maryville, Tennessee
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi Makenna.
There are a couple of things that you can do right now to begin working with mentally handicapped individuals.
The first would be contact your Parks department. Most of them have programs designed especially for mentally handicapped people. These would be recreational activities. Many of them also are part of the special Olympic athletic programs. This is how I got my start. I have been working with special Olympics for over 50 years. I was also a special education High School teacher for 40 years. Working with the mentally handicapped was one of the greatest joys of my life.
Another option would be to find a sheltered workshop for the monthly handicapped. This is a work site that provides jobs for the mentally handicapped. You will be amazed at some of the skills that they have. They're doing jobs that other people don't want to do and that the handicapped can do even better.
You might also have some special education classes right at your own School. There may be some volunteer opportunities for you to work with them. I know it the school I worked at it was one of the best most sought after programs for regular students to volunteer.
This group of individuals has a lot of love to give to others, and you will find that it may be one of the best experiences of the entire life.
Follow up, and at least try some of these options. You may find that you have a career in this growing field.
There are a couple of things that you can do right now to begin working with mentally handicapped individuals.
The first would be contact your Parks department. Most of them have programs designed especially for mentally handicapped people. These would be recreational activities. Many of them also are part of the special Olympic athletic programs. This is how I got my start. I have been working with special Olympics for over 50 years. I was also a special education High School teacher for 40 years. Working with the mentally handicapped was one of the greatest joys of my life.
Another option would be to find a sheltered workshop for the monthly handicapped. This is a work site that provides jobs for the mentally handicapped. You will be amazed at some of the skills that they have. They're doing jobs that other people don't want to do and that the handicapped can do even better.
You might also have some special education classes right at your own School. There may be some volunteer opportunities for you to work with them. I know it the school I worked at it was one of the best most sought after programs for regular students to volunteer.
This group of individuals has a lot of love to give to others, and you will find that it may be one of the best experiences of the entire life.
Follow up, and at least try some of these options. You may find that you have a career in this growing field.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback it helps a lot.
Makenna
Alvin Stewart, EPS, PI
Delivery Driver
1
Answer
Morrow, Georgia
Updated
Alvin’s Answer
I hope this helps give you a clear view of the different professions that specialize in your interest.
https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/jobs-working-with-special-needs
https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/jobs-working-with-special-needs
Shelby Steuber
Teacher
66
Answers
LaBelle, Florida
Updated
Shelby’s Answer
One of the most rewarding professions to work with special needs children is in schools! Facilitating these students' educations and seeing them grow and develop is incredibly gratifying. While this may not allow you to work with both adults and children, I know that a lot of people sincerely love this career. Hope this helps!