Dragon Better Market Trial 1

 

 

 

After opening up the first Dargon Better Market, I felt nothing but pride, not just for myself, but also for Dutch, a remarkable LCE student I had to work with. Dutch, who lives with autism, played an essential role in the market’s operations. From packaging products to placing stickers, and even learning how to operate the KIOSK machine I personally programmed, Dutch's dedication was inspiring. The success of this market isn’t measured in dollars, but in the deeper impact it had on breaking barriers and creating opportunities for disabled individuals in a technology-driven world.

The KIOSK machine we introduced in the market wasn’t just any self-service machine; it was specially programmed with accessibility in mind, making it friendly to individuals with varying disabilities. Dutch quickly adapted to using it, smoothly navigating its features to assist customers. This experience underscored the importance of accessible technology in bridging gaps—not just between the disabled and non-disabled communities, but also between individuals and the technologies that can often exclude those with disabilities.

For Dutch, the KIOSK machine offered a sense of empowerment. By learning to operate the system independently, he gained confidence in his skills and contributed meaningfully to the market’s success. It wasn’t just a work experience for him; it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and demonstrate his abilities in a supportive environment.

At the end of our first day, we raised over $100. But, that's not important. The market was a learning environment, not just for Dutch, but for the wider community. Customers who interacted with the market were introduced to Life Centered Education (LCE). This exposure to LCE was invaluable in raising awareness about the importance of inclusive practices at ISB and our local community. The feedback from our survey was clear: as more people learned about LCE and saw it in action, they gained a greater understanding of the importance of inclusive workplaces. This, to me, was the real success of the Dargon Better Market. It wasn’t about the money; it was about the connections made, the perceptions shifted, and the awareness raised.

The ultimate goal of the Dargon Better Market was always clear to me: to bridge the communication gap between the disabled and non-disabled communities. Through this initiative, I believe we achieved that. By creating an environment where individuals like Dutch could work alongside non-disabled peers, we promoted understanding, collaboration, and inclusion.

The success of the Dargon Better Market and Dutch’s personal growth in operating the KIOSK machine have inspired me to continue expanding this concept. My hope is to see more markets like this. In doing so, we can continue to challenge societal norms and create spaces where everyone—regardless of ability—can thrive. 

As a small note, the money I raised was also spent on the LCE class. I bought the class some popstickles and some plushies that represent ISB.