"You haven't just given my child the ability to kick, dribble, or ride a bike - you've given my child his self-confidence. You have given him the ability to be included, to belong."
This mother's gratefulness is reflective of numerous parents who bring children with disabilities to Cal Poly Pomona's Motor Development Clinic, where they're taught by CPP students who specialize in working with children delayed in their development. The clinic is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The Motor Development Clinic's services change the lives of the children and their families and also provide equally powerful learning experiences for some of its teachers. CPP students teach at the clinic as part of a pedagogy course in addition to serving as volunteers.
"It's so rewarding for both me and the student," said Alejandro Chavez ('18, pedagogy). "Seeing a student smile when they're able to throw a ball after weeks of struggling to do it - there's no better feeling in the world. The clinic is a perfect example of learn-by-doing."
Read more about the Motor Development Clinic's 40th anniversary on the College of Science website.