Jeciana Rivera

University of Arizona
Discipline: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science 
Undergraduate
Certificate in Development Disabilities

As previously mentioned, I started volunteering with ArtWorks this past semester. Volunteering at ArtWorks was my first prolonged experience with individuals who have developmental disabilities. Prior to working at ArtWorks, I had believed certain stigmas surrounding this population. I thought that having a developmental disability was only seen in a small subset of the general population and was something that could potentially prevent someone from living a full and rewarding life. Following my time at ArtWorks, the stigmas I had previously held were dismantled almost instantly. I got to hear the stories and life experiences of many of the ArtWorks artists and came to realize how their disabilities do not define them. Many of the artists have built strong relationships with one another, have accomplished wonderful things and are excelling in their personal lives. Though I have been volunteering at ArtWorks for a few months now, I feel that my knowledge about developmental disabilities is still limited. Taking part in and completing this certificate program will help to further expand my knowledge and could help to prepare me to share information with other groups I interact with to encourage inclusivity.

Previous Trainee Experience