Cutting Edge Curriculum Enhancing Skills, Self-Esteem
Pam came to SRVS
after graduating from the Avon-Lenox School.
Now 44 years old, she will soon be celebrating a 20 year history with
SRVS. She has seen many changes over the
years, both in the support services she has received from SRVS and in
herself.
Since the
opening of the new SRVS Learning Center, Pam has increased her academic and
home living skills with the introduction of a Montessori curriculum. Her mom, Joyce Finley, has witnessed the
positive changes in Pam’s life. “The learning center is a great place for Pam
to learn skills to help herself, her family, and fit into society,” says
Finley. “Knowing she is in a safe
learning environment makes it easier for me to go to work.”
Pam has learned
several life skills including making a bed and setting a table, which were goals
outlined in her Individual Support Plan. She transferred those skills to home
life and in the process, gained a sense of self-worth, independence and
confidence.
"Knowing she is in a safe learning environment makes it easier for me to go to work."
Others have noticed a change
in Pam including her behavior analysts and Montessori aids. “The Montessori
approach has allowed Pam more choices, a variety of activities, and the
opportunity to become more sociable and engaged,” says SRVS Learning Center Director
Carol Branch.
SRVS Learning
Center includes eleven Montessori classrooms and ancillary rooms such as a
teaching kitchen, model apartment and sensory room, designed to provide a
cutting edge curriculum for adults with disabilities. During the fiscal year, more than 96 individuals
attended the center and participated in community activities. With a new facility, staff focused on building
community partnerships to advance its programs and established a volunteer
program, partnership with Volunteer Odyssey, Friday Fun Days, created a
newsletter, obtained iPads for use in the computer room and throughout the
center, and introduced nutrition classes organized by Tennessee State
University instructors. Dance and movement classes were taught by Howard
Pheelgood.
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