I did and do not agree that these people do not have a right to exist, but I did think that they were a bit annoying and they were not smart. However, I accept that I, myself, had been following stereotypes, and that I was wrong. This is why I chose the mentally disabled as my project. By doing this, I could take a step to helping them associate with average people, feel accepted, and being understood as citizens of humanity. Overall, I knew that I would end up with a good feeling in my heart, that I was doing a good thing, although I was a little scared.
I learned a lot about mentally disabled individuals in my research articles. Surprisingly, I was right in my ideas of the prejudice, stereotypes, and problems the mentally disabled faced. The mentally disabled are often mistreated and are secluded from society. They are constantly put down by average humans, and are not accepted as humans. They are "invisible," as Harriet Johnson states. The mentally disabled are ignored and segregated from average individuals, because of the "queer" atmosphere the mentally disabled create. Some mentally disabled individuals are mistakenly put in asylums, where no one cares for them. Brian East even claims that he saw mentally disabled woman ramming her bloody head on metal bars. Unfortunately, no one went to aid her. Some think that it is harmful for the disabled to have special classes, although I do not agree with this. There are special institutions or places, such as the Special Olympics, where the mentally disabled can associate with each other, and other average volunteers. Overall, my research taught me a lot about the mentally disabled and helped me decide what I was going to do to help my group.
To help my group, I became a volunteer coach for basketball in the Special Olympics. I know I made a significant difference by volunteering as a coach for basketball. I think I made a difference because I added that little amount of joy that every individual needs, in these mentally disabled people's lives.