For this paper, I have selected one special population that I believe I want to work with and assist. The first step involves discussing the populations reviewed and the one selected as well as why the selection was made. The writer will discuss why the interest formed on that specific area and what she thinks she would bring to helping that would benefit this specific population. Special populations include groups of people who may face vulnerabilities because of circumstances. People within these populations are cannot advocate for themselves and depend on others for support and services. People who fall into the category of vulnerable populations are children, the elderly, the disabled, and the mentally disabled.
Populations Reviewed For the purposes of this paper, I looked into two different special populations. The first group I reviewed was the elderly. The elderly often face ridicule and stereotyping and this can lead to abuse and neglect. In fact, many elderly people function independently in society but for others, aging cause problems with their ability to make sound decisions, care for their own physical and financial needs, and several other issues. This is why many of the elderly need the assistance of support services. I am really interested in elderly care do to the fact I hear so much in the news about elderly mistreated. I think of my grandparents while hearing this. I feel even though they are elderly doesn’t mean they don’t have feeling. I think I would have so much impact in helping the elderly. I feel I can learn so much from the elderly and yet make sure they are getting the proper care that they need. I was doing research online and came across a website, umkc.edu, while looking on that website; it said that the heterogeneity among the elderly population and within subtypes of the population is often ignored. Increased longevity occurs across populations. There are increases in the numbers of minorities and other special populations who are aging. Racial, ethnic, geographic and cultural differences occur in the population of older adults. Some special populations include: minorities such as, African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. Variations within these populations occur in the way of family values, the way help is sought, access to resources, means, etc. Other special populations include rural and developmental disabilities. I don’t have so much as a caregiver for elderly but I feel that with the patients, love, and care is the best way to take care of someone especially the elderly and children.
The second special population I reviewed was children. Children can be put at risk in a number of different ways. Because of the breakdown of the natural family, substance abuse in the home, and even the death of a parent or parents, children are often exposed to or the recipient of violence, neglect, and abuse that may come in many forms. Young children in these types of situations become completely dependent on others for the support and nurturing that will help them safely grow into adulthood. When a crisis event occurs—in school, in the community or at the national level—it can cause strong and deeply felt reactions in adults and children, especially those children with special needs. Many of the available crisis response resources are appropriate for use with students with disabilities, provided that individual consideration is given to the child’s developmental and emotional maturity. Acts of healing such as making drawings, writing letters, attending memorial ceremonies and sending money to relief charities are important for all children. I love to take care of children, I have two daughters and feel that I would love to have ten more kids but that is not always the best thing in the world. I love that children are so loving and always active. All children benefit from concrete information presented at the proper level of understanding, and maturity. Helping all children to stop and think about their reactions and behavior, especially with regard to anger and fear, is recommended and often necessary in order for them to make “good choices.” For some students with behavioral disorders, training in anger management, coping and conflict resolution skills are important additions to a comprehensive intervention program. The following information addresses specific, additional considerations for children with special needs. I have a nephew that was born with a cleft lip, he has been through a lot with since he was born, the under goes surgeries for his mouth and has to get his teeth pulled for they will not go properly. He does a lot of speech therapy. I think that would be a great job to work with children with disabilities, sometimes people look at them different but they are anything but. My nephew works so hard to pronounce his letters and seeing his progress, such a great feeling to see how well he is progressed in these last few months, and while being the person to help is an even better feeling. I feel that I can help with children for I have patients and care to successes. I feel that I have the drive to succeed in either of these special populations. I will need experience of proper training in this course but having patients is a key to success when working with children with special needs and elderly.

References

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/specpop_general.aspx
http://cas.umkc.edu/casww/specpops.htm