Adult Education Program
Opportunity SupportEnrichmentGrowthAccomplishment
The PLUS Company is dedicated to improving advocacy and community efforts that
promote education for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The PLUS Company is committed to meeting current community-based needs of adults with developmental disabilities through our quality education curriculum and enrichment programs in the following areas:
- Art and Music
- Fitness and Sports
- Nature Appreciation
- Health
- Computers
- Literacy
The formalized Adult Education Program celebrated its seventh anniversary in January 2006.
Since the program's inception, the varied learning opportunities have paved the way to opening doors for students in their communities and workplaces. The learning and teaching experiences are optimized since students join their peers in small groups. Our goal is to create positive learning activities that encourage creativity, independence, dignity, and community integration. Some classes over the last two years included: tapestry weaving, quilting, ceramics, properties of nature for food and healing, music appreciation, astronomy, jewelry design, discoveries in nature, yoga, weather observation, computer skills, money management, stress management, nutrition, safety awareness, writing workshops and reading groups. Our educational programs are made possible through dedicated teachers, tutors and volunteers.
A monthly calendar of events is updated and made available to consumers and their families. Students receive instruction on a one-time basis or a continuum depending on the area of learning. A jewelry making class may take one evening while instruction that covers astronomy would require a weekend visit to an Appalachian Mountain Club astronomy weekend. A student would also learn interpersonal skills, self-sufficiency and preparation for a five-mile hike while away on this weekend.
The PLUS Company Adult Education Program enhances the livability of the region for adults with developmental disabilities by creating awareness within the community. Furthermore, we also promote the appreciation and education of natural, historic and cultural resources so our consumers are given the opportunities to enjoy these benefits. Grants and philanthropic donations primarily fund the Adult Education Program.
PLUS/Rivier College Literacy Program
Through the helpful guidance of Dr. Susan Gately, Director of General Special
Education at Rivier College, graduate students teach basic literacy skills to The PLUS Company consumers in twice weekly classes on the College campus. These consumers are adults with developmental disabilities who have been unsuccessful with literacy in the traditional education system.
The overall mission of this program is to provide positive learning activities that improve literacy skills. To carry out this mission the following goals have been articulated for individual participants and for the organization as a whole:
- Enhance communication skills: develop basic reading and writing skills;
- Celebrate and gain an appreciation for the art of the story;
- Acquire a love for learning and experience a sense of pride;
- Encourage creativity through participation;
- Express emotions, dreams, and interests;
- Improve the quality of life through literacy.
The literacy program provides quality resources and assistive technology to meet the individual goals and interests of the students who have a variety of sensory, language, communication and social challenges. Staff and volunteers work to help students in all stages of language development.
The PLUS Company is sincerely grateful for the continued growth opportunities Rivier College has given the students. Since 1999, this collaboration has provided a thoroughly enriching opportunity for students to increase their literacy skills. The program has provided The PLUS Company students an opportunity to achieve their dreams and to meet some truly remarkable people from Rivier College.
"The Literacy Program is a place where individual success is encouraged and celebrated. This program has given adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to further their education and enrich their lives. The PLUS Company students have a strong desire to learn and an amazing sense of hope. Their sense of accomplishment and improved literacy skills is a testament to the statement that everyone can learn," Literacy Program coordinator Susanna Hargreaves stated.
For questions regarding the Literacy Program, contact Susanna Hargreaves at 889-0652 X352.
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