Daniela Hernandez – Journal Week #9

Wednesday marked the beginning of an exciting week after two days off work as I

embarked on a trip to Ole Times, a buffet in Gray, Georgia, with a group of individuals and a

direct care staff. The ambiance of the restaurant was charming, with its vintage decor and

nostalgic music playing softly in the background. The individuals were thrilled to explore the

different food stations, and it was awesome to witness their enthusiasm. Additionally, this buffet

dealt with traditional southern food—something the individuals at the center are comfortable

with. They all had immense amounts of food and were completely full by the end of our visit.

After an early lunch, we headed to a walking trail to learn about native plants and civil war

structures in Georgia.

Later in the week, the day started off with a yoga session. The individuals eagerly

participated, immersing themselves in each pose. In the afternoon, we switched gears and

indulged in some dance aerobics. The energetic beats filled the room as they grooved to the

music. They truly embraced the freedom of self-expression.

Friday revolved around the arts and creativity. A group of individuals gathered in the art

and music class, where everyone had the opportunity to unleash their imagination and showcase

their artistic talents. Painting, drawing, and sculpting became a means of self-expression,

allowing each individual to communicate their unique perspectives and emotions. The music

component added another layer to the art therapy. We explored various instruments,

experimenting with different rhythms and melodies. A crowd favorite was the thunder drums and

rain stick as it reminded them of the past rainy days we’ve experienced over the summer.

As my internship at the Center for individuals with IDD approaches its end, I took on the

responsibility of teaching a direct care staff member the various tasks I have been managing
throughout my time here. I focused on training them to run the monthly newsletter. We sat down

together and discussed the process, from content gathering and layout design to distribution and

feedback collection. Though more training will be needed, the staff member felt confident and

ready to take on this responsibility, ensuring that the monthly newsletter would continue to

connect and inform the IDD community. Additionally, I introduced the staff member to the

virtual reality (VR) exercises that I had been facilitating. Together, we explored different VR

experiences designed to enhance physical and cognitive abilities. The staff member quickly

grasped the concept and demonstrated enthusiasm in integrating these exercises into the daily

routines, ensuring the individuals would continue to benefit from the immersive and interactive

nature of VR technology.

Day Time In Lunch Time Out Hours Worked

Monday, July 3rd n/a n/a n/a

Tuesday, July 4th n/a n/a n/a

Wednesday, July 8:00 AM 12:00 PM – 1:00 4:00 PM 8

5th PM

Thursday, July 8:00 AM 12:00 PM – 1:00 4:00 PM 8

6th PM

Friday, July 7th 8:00 AM 12:00 PM – 1:00 4:00 PM 8

PM
Total Weekly 24

Hours

Total Hours to 335

Date