Project working with MTRA.

1. Directions This template is designed as a guide for your final project. It includes the minimum information that is required. Feel free to be creative! Include photos, video, etc. to tell your story. After completing all of your slides, you need to narrate the presentation. Use your slides as a guide while YOU tell the story. After you finish narrating, upload to http://www.slideshare.net/ and post the link in the ASSIGNMENT section of your course under Teachers in Action Service Project. This is a lengthy process. Do NOT wait until the last minute. Your project MUST be narrated and uploaded by the deadline. In addition to submitting it for course credit, you might share your completed project with the agency or group with whom you worked or upload to the serve.gov website.

2. MTRA Service Project Danielle Zackery dzackery@knights.ucf.edu 4/23/2010 EEX 4070

3. Early Perceptions I was afraid I wouldn’t do things right with the student riders because I don’t have a lot of experience with disabled students.

4. What is MTRA? Marion Therapeutic Riding Association is a non profit organization that offers children with disabilities a chance to ride horses, be part of a team and have some fun.

5. Riding Ring This is the riding ring where the students take lessons.

6. Facility These are a few pictures of the facilities. They include the mounting area, the main turnout paddock and one of the horses in her stall.

7. Demographics

8. Personal Demographics ALEX ZACK I am 24 years old. I am married and I have two children, ages three and one. I live in the Ocala National Forest. We are a middle class family. My husband works as an Engineer for Pinsly Railroad and I work as a substitute teacher for the Marion County Public Schools.

9. Engagement Activities I helped the students put on equipment like boots and helmets. I either led the horse being ridden or acted as a side walker to steady the student who was riding. Helped the students groom their horses. Talked to the student riders to help them follow the directions given by the riding instructor.

10. More Pictures…

11. Participant Demographics Disabilities included: Autism Cerebral Palsy Lack of speech due to neglect and non use Down Syndrome

12. Reflection of your Experience I have learned how to be comfortable working with children with disabilities. I have learned that exceptional children are just that…exceptional…in personality, heart, courage, and bravery. I will forever see children with disabilities as the hardest working people of the world. I will remember in my teaching career that not everyone has the same outlook as me. I was extremely academically smart and outgoing and breezed through school like it was a walk in the park. I will remember my patience when a student has trouble on something that “seems so easy”. I will also remember that students need FUN. This program was designed in part to help exceptional children have some fun in their life. Some come from families who can’t afford riding lessons and such and this program provides a fun outlet for these kids that is unsurpassed.