I am participating in the Cultural Practicum for Critical Disabilities. Through this course, I volunteer at “I Ragazzi di Sipario”, a restaurant that employs individuals with intellectual disabilities. I chose this course because I am studying to become a special education teacher, and I thought it would be an amazing experience to observe a special education setting in a different country. As well, I thought that working at the restaurant would allow me to more fully experience Italian culture.

So far, I absolutely love volunteering at “I Ragazzi di Sipario”. Before I started working, I was scared that the language barrier would prevent me from forming meaningful relationships with the employees. However, I was wrong. I have used what little Italian I know, along with alternative ways of communicating, to form friendships with all of the workers at the restaurant. We dance to songs, make jokes, enjoy each other’s company, and look forward to meeting every week.

I am so glad I signed up for the Cultural Practicum for Critical Disabilities because I’m getting a unique experience that I would never have gotten without this internship. I feel fully exposed to Italian culture, learning more skills regarding special education, and have already made amazing friends along the way.

Katherine Gurski, UConn

 

For further information on the Cultural Engagement Practicum Critical Disabilities Studies, please visit our Academics section webpage.