Learning about EP!C, by the Bradley University Education department

For several years, EP!C has collaborated with Bradley University and their Teacher Education department to provide opportunities for college students to learn more about agencies like EP!C and the individuals we serve.  Dr. Celia Johnson, professor and coordinator of the special education program at Bradley University, described how she become involved with EP!C and why she thinks it's important for her students to learn about what we do.

"For the past few years, Bradley University's Department of Teacher Education and EP!C had collaborated on a Mentor/Tutoring Project.  As a part of a secondary special education methods course, BU special education majors are expected to work with an adolescent or adult learner who has experienced a variety of challenges in the learning process.  The intent is for the BU students to develop skills and understanding needed to become outstanding teachers who will have the skills to promote the success of adolescent and adult learners.  Additionally, the program is designed to help EP!C individuals reach their goals and develop skills needed to pass the GED, obtain a job, or improve communication, etc.  Our BU students primary focus on K-12 programs and often have little experience or knowledge of programs for students with disabilities once they leave the K-12 system.  EP!C provides a wonderful opportunity to BU students to develop a more sensitive, accurate and complete picture of life beyond high school for individuals with exceptional learning needs.  This collaboration opportunity has proven to be a wonderful experience beneficial to all participates, BU students and individuals served by EP!C."

In the past, students have completed a variety of projects for our individuals at EP!C.  Last semester, some of these Bradley students developed some new forms of technology for our sensory classroom.  These tools promote learning through the senses and help our individuals to better interact with and understand the world around them.  Our individuals still use this technology today!

In addition to working on these projects, many of the students also toured the entire facility, including one of our group homes, to gain a better understanding of our agency and of the options that individuals with disabilities have once they finish high school.  These students had the following things to say about their visit:

"Reflecting back on my experience at EP!C, I can honestly say I am extremely excited to be able to do my contact hours there.  While the facilities are beautiful and very well kept, what I am really excited for is working with the clients and staff.  After meeting Brad, I realized how much the people who work for EP!C really care about what they are doing.  Also, going to the home where a few of the clients lived really sparked my interest."

"When we went to the group home, I was a little nervous.  My idea of a group home would be more of a nursing home.  I wasn't expecting what we saw.  It was so nice to see how well these individuals were being taken care of.  They deserve to live a happy life just like everyone else.  My favorite part would be the family photos on the wall.  It really showed a sense of community and love within the house."

"After the tour of both the EP!C facility and the group home I really felt inspired to continue on my path of becoming a special education teacher.  It also opened my eyes to how the world is finally changing in terms of making the quality of life for individuals with special needs much better."

Thank you so much to all of the dedicated Bradley students who have helped EP!C through their special education courses.  Everyone at EP!C appreciates your hard work and interest in our mission!