CONTRIBUTED

North Carolina is only one of three states in the nation that has community college programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The Project SUCCEED program at Sandhills Community College is such a program.

Those age 17 or older are taught essential academic and life skills. The primary focus is to better equip students to become independent and to enable them to live successful lives in their community.

Students from the Career Exploration class visited Domino's Pizza in Whispering Pines recently. They learned about the history of Domino's and various job opportunities with the company. The students were also suited up

"Domino's-style" and given a tour, which included the chance to make their own pizzas.

"Sandhills provides an environment where our students feel safe and have a sense of community," said David Hale, coordinator of basic skills. "We work to make our students more independent, and in turn, raise their

self-esteem. This independence enhances their knowledge and ability to make constructive leisure choices."

A number of subjects are covered in the program. Through language arts, students are exposed to phonics, sight words, basic grammar, learning their addresses and phone numbers, and library skills. Math and consumer education teach students how to count and manage money, shopping skills and simple cooking techniques. Students develop computer skills and explore career options through vocational health, and health courses teach them about proper hygiene, nutrition and stress management.

Graduates of compensatory education classes have successfully made the transition to competitive employment and many have begun living independently in their own apartments or houses.

For more information about Project SUCCEED, contact Dave Hale at 695-3933 or haled@sandhills.edu.