Disabled adult work program will begin soon

By Florence Rankin/Managing Editor

TIFTON — A new program for disabled young adults will give them work experience while allowing social interaction, organizers say.

The Solutions day program could be up and running by Nov. 1, said organizer Veronica Graydon. Participants will spend time each day working on therapy and motor skills, enjoying recreation and leisure activities and being trained in self-help and daily living. The program will be housed on Tift Avenue in space donated by Montgomery Printing and will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

“There’s so much interest in programs like this because every year we have 800 kids coming out of school and going home to sit,” said Beth English, executive director of Easter Seals Southern Georgia. (Disabled students may attend school until they are 21 years old.)

“When my daughter graduated, I realized there was really nothing else for her to do,” said Graydon, whose daughter is autistic. “There’s really a need.”

Graydon said she visited other programs around the state to get a feel for what could be done here.

“We want it to be fun and a social experience for them,” English said.

An advisory board has been formed and community volunteers have already stepped forward, although Graydon said more are needed. The Solutions board is looking for volunteers who can come in and share “any area of expertise” such as music, crafts, photography or sports. The Tifton Council of Garden Clubs will work with participants arranging and growing flowers, and St. Anne’s Episcopal Church has offered the use of a van during the week.

English said the group is also looking for businesses, churches or organizations that can sponsor a young person. Costs for the program are $100 per week per person and may be covered by the Medicaid waiver program, which Easter Seals can help families complete.

“We know these are tough economic times, but this is something that is really needed,” said English.

Other items needed include computers and a printer, a television/DVD player, G or PG movies, art supplies, card games such as UNO, board games, books and individual CD players with headphones and batteries.

For more information or to volunteer, contact English at (229) 439-7061 or (800) 365-4583, or e-mail benglish@swga-easterseals.org.

To contact Managing Editor Florence Rankin, call 382-4321, ext. 203.

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