WHAT THE EXPERIENCE INVOLVED: My research under the UHP Discovery programspread the awareness of the Camphill movement which was founded by anAustrian Pediatrician in 1939, which consists of the establishment of variousCamphill schools across the world that have been made in an effort togive rights to people with disabilities. This subject matter personally spoke to me since I have made deep connections with kids with disabilities in the past. My project specifically touched base on the spectrum of Jewish refugees from Nazi Austria and the Politics of Disability in Britain and America which examined the unjustly views of society on disabilities in the 1930sversus the present.The Camphill movement focuses on giving individuals of all ages a community to be a part of and to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
WHAT I LEARNED/HOW HAS IT IMPACTED ME: My role in this research project consisted of gathering data on each Camphill community established throughoutthe 23 countries. I used the data to create a website by utilizing a humanity tool software called Story maps to turn the data into different clickable maps. Through these efforts I gained skills in using humanity tools for the first time which was arduous to figure out at first but rewarding. I also became more advanced in creating websites and gained knowledge on the important impact that the Camphill movement had in the world and for individuals with disabilities. For my future career I desire to be a dentist, so this position has helped me professionally by teaching me the importance of communication in any working environment and that collaboration and working as a team will aid me in my future endeavors as being a dentist as well.
I chose to display a sample of the map I created because it displays my growth. This research position truly did take me outside of my expertise and challenged my skills to adapt to a new environment which I am grateful for because it taught me that trying new things can really help you grow personally and professionally.