A recent study completed by E.N.O.B.L.E. shows that while adults with developmental disabilities are more capable, they are not using technology to reach their full potential in the classroom.
A recent study conducted by ENOBLE through state wide funded day programs showed that while more adults with disabilities are asking for education and opportunity, day programs have limited resources to provide classes on an ongoing basis. Despite these limitations, most programs that provide services to disabled adults do provide Adult Basic Education classes at least once a week with an average group of twelve to eighteen students.
The students represented in these classes have all graduated from from secondary special education programs in their local high school which may mark the first generation to do so in the state since Rhode Island resettled the last institutionalized residents in 1993. The study found that while more students are reading and improving in math skills, only a small percentage have the skills to operate a computer, or the writing skills to use e-mail or to fill out a job application.
When asked what services would best be given in one of these day programs, the overwhelming response was assistance with writing skills and developing job skills. Other programs also mentioned help with comp- uter classes and reading. For a reading of the complete study and its findings, go to:http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Swearer_Center/Literacy_Resources/minigrant0506.
VSA arts hosts 15th annual poetry awards
VSA arts poet laurette Frank Beasley reads at last year's event.
VSA arts RI will host its 15th annual Allen Ginsburg poetry awards on May 17th in the auditorium of Independence Square in Pawtucket at 6:30 pm. The contest gives Rhode Island adults with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through writing by participating in poetry workshops held throughout the state. Each contestant is given the opportunity to read one of their submissions before their fellow poets, family and friends. Included in this years reader's will be VSA arts poet laurette Frank Beasley, a two time winner of the award, and a poet who has also won international praise for his work. Check out all the great programs offered by VSA arts RI by looking through their website: http://vsartsri.org.
Hundreds of athletes are preparing for the Rhode Island Special Olympics Summer Games to be held this year on June 2-4 at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. The sumer games are held each year and give athletes the opportunity to compete in track and field events, swimming, softball, and soccer among other sports. But this always highly anticipated weekend is only the beginning of the summer sporting season which in the coming weeks will include golf tournaments, soccer competition and the first USA National games to be held in Ames, Iowa and will include 3500 athletes from across the country. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.specialolympicsri.org.
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