Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in cafeteria two at Colonia High School, Mrs. Brennan’s and Mrs. McCoy’s Interact Club held their first Hand in Hand Dance of the year to welcome and entertain disabled adults.
When people hear about dances many assume that it is formal attire and there is only dancing. For this that is not the case, people dress in casual attire and there is more than just dancing. Through the doors there is a table full of snacks, drinks, and desserts. The back contains rows of tables set up. Some have games such as Scrabble, Checkers, and Candy Land. While on others there is 100 piece puzzles with cartoons or animals. There is also a craft table that changes each time, at this dance it was coloring fall pictures like Winnie the Pooh. Masked is McCoy’s playlist playing on a Bluetooth speaker. When the adults arrive the students who volunteered to help out greet them and hang out.
Patrick Coveny, a senior at Colonia High and a member of the Interact club stated, “ It is a very rewarding experience and something that makes you feel like you’re making a difference in your community.”
When attending the dance there are many benefits that the students and adults will receive. Coveny then added, “ You get a whole new appreciation for those with mental disabilities and their caretakers. A lot of these people are discriminated against or treated poorly because of something out of their control, and it’s nice to put them in an environment where everyone is kind and patient.” Also, colleges love community service involvement.
Linda Brennan, a teacher and advisor of Interact Club at Colonia High described, ” One of the greatest benefits is being able to make others smile and witness genuine happiness. Our guests generally look forward to spending time with our students, and their caretakers genuinely appreciate the time we spend with their loved ones. Everyone wins.”
The adults attending have what are considered to be mental disabilities which can include developmental, intellectual, and learning. The American Psychiatric Association explained, “ health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination of these).”
These disabilities cause distress or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. 19 percent of adults experience some sort of mental illness and about four percent experiencing it severely. It varies from fairly mild to someone needing hospital care. There is no definite cures, though treatments are arising everyday that may improve conditions such as talking therapy and medication. Both treatments are believed to be best, but it is up to the doctor on what is safe or not.
“When working with a special needs population it makes many feel grateful for what the have. It helps develop a positive outlook on life and helps to realize that happiness doesn’t come from material things. Happiness comes from the relationships we build with others,” Brennan further proclaimed.
Attend an Interact Club meeting if interested in getting involved with the next Hand in Hand Dance.
