NORTHEAST – Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana is proud to announce the collaboration between Easter Seals Arc and Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast. A recent survey of clients at Easter Seals Arc revealed that the number one desired activity is to learn to read. “Reading opens doors for jobs as well as overall learning and growth,” Donna Elbrecht, President and CEO of Easter Seals Arc stated.  “We want our clients to enrich their reading, and we looked to collaborate with Ivy Tech, since they are the experts in adult education,” said Elbrecht.  Ivy Tech is providing classroom instruction at the Projects Drive Facility which will begin in September. “Providing educational opportunities to our community is a primary objective of Ivy Tech’s core mission,” said Chancellor Jerrilee K. Mosier, Ed.D.  “Ivy Tech and Easter Seals Arc partnering is a first of its kind that will extend these resources to area citizens.”

The first step in the process is assessments of those people who would like to be part of the literacy program.  The assessment’s purpose is to determine the skill level of the students and then a curriculum will be determined.  This evaluation will be used to determine reading skill level and learning styles of the participants.

Major learning objectives of the classroom include:

• Knowledge of the alphabet and the ability to recognize the letters.
• Basic knowledge level of phonics skills.
• Evaluate knowledge of sight words and compound words.
• Determine reading skill level and comprehension level.
• Set reading goals and assign reading group class level.

This program is partially funded by a grant through the Foellinger Foundation and “Fund the Mission” of Easter Seals Arc’s Vino, Java & Jazz event held in October of this year.  Literacy statistics show a correlation between the ability to function in society, achieving one’s goals and developing one’s knowledge and potential to increased self-esteem, increased job placement and skills and more self-confidence.

For more information, contact Kassandra Flanagan at 260-456-4534 x 206.

Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana’s mission is to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs and their families. We provide a wide range of excellent services that nurture independence based on each individual’s goals and choices while providing advocacy and promoting community inclusion.