William and Newton addressed unmet medical needs for approximately 52 adults with developmental disabilities at Unless U by implementing preventative measures to optimize their physical well-being. The Fellow’s project focused on developmentally appropriate teaching of physical fitness and hygiene. They implemented a daily walking program as well as multiple interactive hand hygiene classes using Glo-Germ to facilitate evaluation of proper learning. Their project also prepared teachers/staff for medical emergencies that may be encountered from this vulnerable population. Gafford and Tinsley obtained an automated external defibrillator (AED) with a donation by Alabama LifeStart and taught teachers/staff the proper function and use of the device along with basic life support training.

As a result of their efforts:

• 1 AED donated to Unless U from Alabama LifeStart
• 7 out of 7 staff demonstrated correct CPR, ability to locate AED, and proper use of equipment in the event of an emergency (staff’s knowledge increased 67% on CPR/AED/emergency management).
• 7 out of 7 staff rapidly and properly responded to a student’s seizure that occurred after our teaching on emergency management skills (staff more quickly and simultaneously stabilized the student in left lateral position, managed the students airway, and quickly cleared the scene of other bystanders while calling for proper medical personnel).
• Student’s hands were 61.6% cleaner* (i.e., 61.6% reduction in germ-affected areas) after hand hygiene instruction
• 0 out of 52 students were diagnosed with the flu since the hand hand-washing project began in August of 2017 (compared to 3 out of 52 students the previous year).
• 40 out of 40 students increased physical activity by 30 minutes 3-4 times per week (beginning in July 2017-present). Staff also perceived increases in student energy (34%) and focus level (42%) after 8 weeks on the walking program.

The program will be sustained by the staff at Unless U and through the Fellows’ appointment to the Junior Board of Unless U. The school hired a full time teacher (Coach K) to solely focus on offering electives geared toward optimizing the well-being of the students and has partnered with the local YMCA who gave the students free memberships along with teaching special classes for them bi-weekly.

“This past year has been tough, but it has been one of the most rewarding times of my life! I love nothing more than spending a day at Unless U and seeing all the happy faces and doing what I can to help make these special individuals healthier. Being an Albert Schweitzer Fellow has helped me realize the impact that an individual can make on community organizations in need. Participating in this fellowship has been an eye-opening experience on how loving/serving others can truly benefit you more than any selfish plans that you may have for yourself. I think Newton and I are especially good at interacting with adults with special needs whenever we encounter them in clinical practice or out in public, and we both plan to continue advocating for vulnerable populations in and out of the hospital. I would like to thank the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship for helping cultivate in me a giving spirit that will reside in me for the rest of my life.”  William Gafford

“Unless U Strong! I learned over the past two years that not only are they strong, but also that helping to improve their well-being would be one of the great joys of my life. From the hugs and fist bumps, to the basketball games and daily walks, and finally to the dancing and singing, helping the students achieve their BEST has directly helped me achieve my BEST. It has truly been amazing to see how God has blessed our project and the school. The fellowship taught me to listen carefully to the needs of vulnerable communities, stay focused and goal oriented, and helped me to demonstrate project outcomes. Through our monthly meetings and fellowship retreats, I have learned so many valuable lessons about community engagement and responsibility. Finally, it’s my desire to live my life as Dr. Schweitzer prescribed ‘reverence for life does not allow the scholar to life for his science alone … it demands from all that they should sacrifice a portion of their own lives for others.’” Newton Tinsley