Friday, January 29, 2016

The EP!C Hub: A Gateway to Endless Possibilities

You may have heard of the EP!C Hub and how it is one of the features that sets EP!C apart from the rest, but I am betting you have not heard about all of the things the Hub does. The Hub is one of Educational Services' many programs that provides opportunities for EP!C individuals to access and utilize technology for a number of different purposes. It is aptly named, as it acts as the intersection between curious minds, information, employment, education, technology, communication, hobbies, and more.

So, how, exactly, does the Hub provide this amazing service, you might ask. There are many stories we could tell of how the Hub has changed EP!C individuals' lives and possibilities, but I will limit this post to an overview of the ways the Hub is making a difference:



Adaptive Technology

One of the biggest obstacles in utilizing technology for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is the traditional keyboard, mouse, and screen size, which does not allow people who may have limited ranges of motion or need to magnify the screen to use technology effectively. The Hub provides individuals with a wide range of devices to help them use the technology from special keyboards to buttons that they can click with their heads, elbows, or knees to select an option to trackballs that are more easily manipulated than mice.

Communication Devices

The Hub also provides and assists with the use of individuals' electronic communication devices. These devices open up a world of opportunities as they allow individuals to communicate in real time with those around them as they aid those with severe speech impairments to express themselves. These devices can also be connected directly to a computer, allowing them to use computers more effectively.


Classroom Technology and Education

As part of the EP!C Hub Outreach program, the Hub also outfits EP!C classrooms with computers and projectors to facilitate lessons. With these tools, EP!C individuals can more easily see, read, and interact with the material they are learning as a group.

Technology at Home

Another arm of the EP!C Hub Outreach program provides computers for all twenty-one of EP!C's group homes. The computers can be used to connect with others, access needed information, and promote leisure time activities.



Employment

Because the Hub's adaptive technology enables individuals to more effectively use computers, EP!C individuals also have the opportunity to do paid computer work to earn a paycheck on their own. Many EP!C individuals design and print flyers, posters, calendars, and greeting cards; develop presentation materials; create business cards; and enter data.


Hobbies and Leisure Time

When EP!C individuals are not using the computers for paid work, they have time to pursue their interests on the computer. On any given day you might see one person browsing antique tractors, another chatting with friends on Facebook, and yet another watching the latest WWE match.

The EP!C Hub is just that- a hub of intersecting strands of life where individuals at EP!C can pursue their interests and achieve their goals. Whether it is paid work or browsing the internet, the Hub contributes greatly to the building of self-esteem and independence, while improving overall quality of life.


No comments:

Post a Comment