Helping Those With Disabilities
Our next few blog posts will be highlighting causes that are important to various Palo Alto teens. These write ups were created as part of a community engagement class that Get Involved Foundation is hosting. Keep on scrolling to read more about these causes from the perspectives of local teens!
Helping people with disabilities is very important to me because whether they have disabilities or going to get their treatment, it's always important to lift their courage. People with disabilities are no different from the rest of society, but they are cast out because they look or act differently. About 10% of the world’s population suffers from disabilities and they need help with jobs, or just having a comfort place to go to. I want to help people with disabilities because they actually are no different than the rest of society; Everyone will have disabilities, it’s just a matter of time. There is the Americans with disabilities act of 1990, which prohibits the exclusion of people with disabilities in some fields. But in some areas, that is still a big problem and if we can all work together to solve it, then there would be fewer discriminations for people with disabilities whether you can see it or not.
Helping people with disabilities is very important to me because I am a member of Kids and Art. It's a foundation where they help kids battling with cancer through art. One thing I remember the most is an auction/fundraiser event they had in San Francisco. Although I had to skip a birthday party I was really looking forward to, still, when I got there I felt exhilarated because It was such a formal evening, there was an entrance badge that made me feel like a VIP. I got to meet the person that bought my artwork and it was a pleasure, but I felt the $100 price of my art was a little pricey, but at least all the money went to the foundation. Later we got to meet Kori Rae from Pixar Studios. That night made me feel very special and cherishable, it was probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and although I missed a birthday party, the nighttime city view, the special experience, and food made it all that rewarding. Being with the foundation also helps you earn chances which you would never dream of doing, like doing a fashion show fundraiser, being in a magazine, or selling your art. Sure when you make art, it's one of the small impacts you can make on someone’s life, but little by little you can start impacting the lives of many others.
What I can do to help is volunteer at different organizations, foundations and help youth go through the battle. I can make cards that say inspirational messages or fundraisers to be able to make small things that maybe will eventually have a big impact. When I was in 4th grade I also received a blanket that was almost the same as the one I had made in middle school, which inspired me to sign up for the service day so I could also make blankets for children in need. Not just for youth’s fighting the battle but also for youths that need special help in their daily life. I could not only volunteer at places but I can also visit local classrooms to help kids with disabilities and their setbacks.
