From Literacy to Technology: Creating New Pathways to Learning
Mercedes Orozco first visited ETC, TILL’s commercial kitchen, gift shop and vocational training center in Hyde Park, to browse and admire the handmade crafts. After a friendly introduction, Program Manager Gina Shulimson learned that Mercedes had retired after a 28-year career with the Boston Public Schools and realized that some of the ETC vocational trainees already knew Mercedes as a Special Education teacher at their school.
Gina had been concerned that some of the individuals in ETC’s vocational program had graduated from high school without adequate reading skills and was eager to offer a literacy class as part of a new continuing education grant. She hired Mercedes to teach a class of six at ETC. Additional programming – including hands-on artistic workshops to strengthen motor development and emotional expression, and community outings to work on social skills and independent living – expanded learning opportunities to the larger group of ETC individuals.
These learning experiences were part of the launch of innovative continuing education programs, made possible through a generous grant from the Cummings Foundation. TILL, Inc. was selected nearly two years ago as one of 150 local nonprofits sharing $30 million in grant funding through the Cummings Foundation and will receive $225,000 over the three-year grant program. During the first two years, the impact of this grant has been felt throughout TILL.
A newly created position of Assistive Technology Specialist, filled by IT Specialist Caleb Garner, was the catalyst for adding technology-related learning. Caleb has offered a variety of classes to individuals from TILL on the Go, a popular community-based prevocational program, and to day programs in Watertown and Chelsea. His stop-motion animation classes have been overwhelmingly popular, with students using this technique to create their own short films. Individuals also learned about drone technology, including safety and real-world applications such as videography.
Individuals are now learning about 3-D printing. These classes have a practical application for the artisan trainees at ETC, who work with Caleb to create 3-D printed items for sale in ETC’s gift shop, social functions, and pop-up markets, through secondary sellers and through TILL’s recently launched online shop - TILLshops.org.
Basic Electronics, Assistive Technology Solutions - where participants have the opportunity to make adaptive devices needed by other individuals at TILL - and Virtual Reality, which brings educational and creative experience to life through virtual art exhibits, world travel and exercise, enhance skill development through interactive content.
“It’s been an incredible opportunity to work with many wonderful staff and individuals who have so much enthusiasm for the various topics and experiences. To be able to take my love of technology and bring it to folks in a very real way for them is something I’m truly grateful for,” says Caleb.
Internet use and safety, travel-related skills and financial literacy programs are just some of the other adult education topics TILL has been able to offer individuals served by TILL, including Springboard, a social club for independent adults with high-functioning autism or learning needs.
“Grant funding from the Cummings Foundation has allowed us to offer much-needed continuing education opportunities for individuals in our vocational and pre-vocational sites,” says Dafna Krouk-Gordon, TILL’s founder and CEO. “Our original curriculum supports skill acquisition and personal enrichment. This added instruction helps prepare individuals for vocational success that provides a source of income and a meaningful role in the community.”
To learn more about the Cummings Foundation, visit: www.cummingsfoundation.org