New River Valley Times

Interns Find Friendship in Work Spaces

It may be better to give than to receive, but a group of University of Virginia kinesiology students have found their joy in doing both at a center that assists adults with intellectual disabilities.The School of Education and Human Development undergraduates are interns with the Fried Center for the Advancement of Potential in Albemarle County. They work primarily with residents of nearby Innisfree Village, a community of adults with intellectual disabilities,  known to staff at Innisfree and the center as “coworkers.”

The center is adjacent to Innisfree, located deep in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, far from the bustle of town and Grounds.“The first time I was out here I was in awe. It’s such an uplifting environment to work in,” said Amanda Glatt, one of 10 student interns working with the center.That environment includes more than nature’s beauty, although there is plenty of that. Clients provide a large amount of uplift.“They come in with positive attitudes and they really enjoy working with us. They really love the interaction,” Glatt said.

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