Herrick Kays & Love
Advancing Students’ Educational Experiences with Interdisciplinary Service-Based Learning: Impacting Special Needs Community
Stephanie Herrick Kays, Grand Canyon University
Pamela Love, Grand Canyon University
Abstract
The purpose of this reflective practice paper is to describe the Special Olympics Arizona MedFest partnership with Grand Canyon University (GCU) and the impact this has on athletes, students, and volunteers. MedFest events provide free physicals to Special Olympics athletes in need. By utilization of principles of service-based interdisciplinary education, undergraduate, and graduate students from GCU’s College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions, had the opportunity to utilize skills learned in the classroom to make a positive impact on the community around them. This reflective practice paper will provide insights to the MedFest event, hurdles faced, recommendations for future MedFest events, and future research to occur.