Day of learning, building relationships with Hiland student council at HCTC
A group of 19 Hiland High School student council members visited the Holmes County Training Center (HCTC) and Lynn Hope Industries Tuesday, March 22, as part of the ongoing celebration of March as Developmental Disabilities Month, and had their eyes opened to a whole new world.
Whether visiting the clients working at Lynn Hope Industries, or chatting it up with a group of kindergarten students in the school, the students were afforded an opportunity to experience life through the eyes of the clients and students at the training center, as well as the staff who provide their expertise, care and compassion.
“I had absolutely no idea what went on out here,” said junior Virginia Keim, a first-timer to the Hiland excursion to the center. “I knew it was for developmentally disabled people, but I was really impressed with all of the things that go on here, from the preschool to the production and workshop area, I was impressed. I think it’s neat that they come here and have jobs and make money. I have a new respect for everyone out here and the job they do.”
Freshman David Yoder was making his second tour through the facility, and said that it is interesting and fun to make connections during the visit, noting, “I was surprised that it was a lot more than just a school. This is real-life stuff and they have jobs and make money. It was impressive to take a tour and see everything that they do here.”
Sherry Ceretta, Lynn Hope production manager, took the students on a tour of the Lynn Hope facility, showing them everything from the main factory area to where dozens of clients worked diligently putting together boxes and vials for Rexram, to the wood shop area, where machinery is designed so safely that the clients can run the equipment independently.
“Our individuals can work and accomplish quite a great deal in a day,” said Ceretta. “This is a real job and real money for them. They earn wages and pay taxes just like everyone else. It’s good for the high school students to get a chance to come here and witness the production of our work force.”
During National Developmental Disabilities Month, the staff at the HCTC has been busy trying to encourage the public to better understand the inner workings of the center, and to recognize the commitment and value the center provides to the area. Having the youth come in offers a better chance to educate a new generation. And not only does it help from an educational standpoint, the clients and students thoroughly enjoy the chance to visit.
“Everyone here really gets involved and looks forward to having the students come in and tour,” said Kim Miller, teacher’s assistant. “Our facility usually reaches a little higher level of excitement every time this day rolls around.”
The opportunity is an especially meaningful one since the HCTC has had to cut back on field trips due to budget constraints. Miller said that since they can’t go out on field trips anymore, it is nice that they can, in a sense, bring the field trips to them.
From a visit by the Akron Zoo to a baby zebra and the student visitations, it adds up to more interesting and enjoyable days for everyone involved.
“It is fun seeing the interaction of the students and the clients and students here at the training center,” said Carrie Jones, Hiland student council advisor. “This is always such an eye-opening experience for the kids. They really do gain a deeper appreciation for what goes on here, as they gain a better sense of what is involved here. We encourage the students to go back and tell other kids what they experienced, and this serves as a good community builder.”
There are always seemingly those uncomfortable moments early on when the students and clients at the HCTC aren’t sure what to expect, but when they warm up to the idea, it usually turns into a lot of laughter and friendly discussion, which goes right along with the students learning about the center and its many functions.
“Every year it starts out the same, and soon the students are right down there with our kindergarten students and talking face-to-face with our clients,” said Miller. “It’s good for both parties to connect and it helps our clients here work on communicating with others outside their circle.”
Whether it was teaching the Hiland students how to crochet, or the fine art of manipulating the Smart Board, there was plenty to be learned and shared by everyone.
Whether visiting the clients working at Lynn Hope Industries, or chatting it up with a group of kindergarten students in the school, the students were afforded an opportunity to experience life through the eyes of the clients and students at the training center, as well as the staff who provide their expertise, care and compassion.
“I had absolutely no idea what went on out here,” said junior Virginia Keim, a first-timer to the Hiland excursion to the center. “I knew it was for developmentally disabled people, but I was really impressed with all of the things that go on here, from the preschool to the production and workshop area, I was impressed. I think it’s neat that they come here and have jobs and make money. I have a new respect for everyone out here and the job they do.”
Freshman David Yoder was making his second tour through the facility, and said that it is interesting and fun to make connections during the visit, noting, “I was surprised that it was a lot more than just a school. This is real-life stuff and they have jobs and make money. It was impressive to take a tour and see everything that they do here.”
Sherry Ceretta, Lynn Hope production manager, took the students on a tour of the Lynn Hope facility, showing them everything from the main factory area to where dozens of clients worked diligently putting together boxes and vials for Rexram, to the wood shop area, where machinery is designed so safely that the clients can run the equipment independently.
“Our individuals can work and accomplish quite a great deal in a day,” said Ceretta. “This is a real job and real money for them. They earn wages and pay taxes just like everyone else. It’s good for the high school students to get a chance to come here and witness the production of our work force.”
During National Developmental Disabilities Month, the staff at the HCTC has been busy trying to encourage the public to better understand the inner workings of the center, and to recognize the commitment and value the center provides to the area. Having the youth come in offers a better chance to educate a new generation. And not only does it help from an educational standpoint, the clients and students thoroughly enjoy the chance to visit.
“Everyone here really gets involved and looks forward to having the students come in and tour,” said Kim Miller, teacher’s assistant. “Our facility usually reaches a little higher level of excitement every time this day rolls around.”
The opportunity is an especially meaningful one since the HCTC has had to cut back on field trips due to budget constraints. Miller said that since they can’t go out on field trips anymore, it is nice that they can, in a sense, bring the field trips to them.
From a visit by the Akron Zoo to a baby zebra and the student visitations, it adds up to more interesting and enjoyable days for everyone involved.
“It is fun seeing the interaction of the students and the clients and students here at the training center,” said Carrie Jones, Hiland student council advisor. “This is always such an eye-opening experience for the kids. They really do gain a deeper appreciation for what goes on here, as they gain a better sense of what is involved here. We encourage the students to go back and tell other kids what they experienced, and this serves as a good community builder.”
There are always seemingly those uncomfortable moments early on when the students and clients at the HCTC aren’t sure what to expect, but when they warm up to the idea, it usually turns into a lot of laughter and friendly discussion, which goes right along with the students learning about the center and its many functions.
“Every year it starts out the same, and soon the students are right down there with our kindergarten students and talking face-to-face with our clients,” said Miller. “It’s good for both parties to connect and it helps our clients here work on communicating with others outside their circle.”
Whether it was teaching the Hiland students how to crochet, or the fine art of manipulating the Smart Board, there was plenty to be learned and shared by everyone.
Published: March 22, 2011
