New program at TAC in Clark County provides virtual learning for adults with disabilities

Jun. 15--A Clark County nonprofit that helps provide training and employment for people with disabilities has a new program that is offering virtual courses in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Abilities Connection's new TAC Academy program is open to any adult age 18 and older in Ohio with disabilities.

"TAC Academy's curriculum is designed to teach practical skills that are the foundation to developing relationships and sustaining employment," said Jim Zahora, CEO. "The ability for people with disabilities to receive this training without leaving their residence is a tremendous step forward in the enhancement of their upward mobility."

Zahora said since the program is not a facility-based service, it be can offered virtually to any eligible person with disabilities in Ohio and that the cost is usually covered under state or local funding.

"The classes combine social interaction and education in a format designed for people with disabilities," he said. "The small class size allows for an interactive exchange of questions, ideas and discussion."

There are over 30 people in the courses, which include Self-Exploration, Communicate and Connect, Job Readiness, Work Policies, Career Discovery and Community Resources/Membership, Zahora said.

Each course, in the program that launched June 1, has a variety of classes to take based on interests and needs, such as cooking, exercise, communication skills, choir and navigating during a pandemic.

Daniel Holliday, a 28-year-old who takes several classes a day through the program, has been doing well in his classes, his mother Garnet Holliday said.

"It's a bright spot in his day when he can take the classes and it's really been pretty amazing," she said. "It's working out really well. It's helped during this COVID not to be isolated and to be more social."

Daniel, who has vision and hearing problems, was born with Down syndrome, Garnet said. He was also diagnosed with leukemia when he was four but has been in remission and cancer free since 2004.

Daniel takes fitness and choir twice a week and a conversation and listening class weekly.

"He loves to sing," Garnet said. "It's pretty neat to see the choir virtually. The screen lights up as they are singing."

Lyndsay Lemon teaches two to three classes a day and is one of Daniel's instructors.

"I love working with Daniel," she said. "I have known Daniel for a couple years and he is a joy to be around. He participates very well during the classes and always manages to make us laugh."

Lemon said she thinks the classes are helping individuals learn new skills and maintain the ones they have.

"I really enjoy teaching the classes. Teaching the classes has been a great way to stay in contact with individuals from TAC since they have not been able to attend TAC due to COVID-19," she said.

Doug Piper, another instructor who teaches three to five classes a day, feels the classes are filling a void.

"I very much enjoy getting to interact with and pass on useful skills and information to the individuals that participate," he said. "The smiles our participants have and the laughs that are shared are proof, to me, that TAC Academy is filling a huge void right now."

Garnet said she is impressed with how well the instructors have adapted to virtual classes and interacting with participants.

"They are very knowledgeable. You can tell they have done their work to make sure they know what they're talking about," she said. "Adjusting the curriculum and individualizing the training to the student so they can be successful at what they're doing but still be learning at the same time."

___

(c)2020 Springfield News-Sun, Ohio

Visit Springfield News-Sun, Ohio at www.springfieldnewssun.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.