The Zembrodt Education Center's PEERS event hosted by Point/Arc was 'simply excellent'
In Erlanger, Kentucky, the Zembrodt Education Center (ZEC) is making a significant difference in the lives of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The centre, which is the only active PEERS program in the state, offers a 16-week course designed to teach social skills, relationship-building skills, and other essential interpersonal abilities.
Recent graduate, Austin Hammons, has found the program particularly beneficial, stating that it has made him more confident with friends. Hammons, a recent graduate of Union (Ky.) Point Academy, completed his first year at PEERS and will be attending Carl D. Perkins Vocational Center in Thelma, Ky., this fall.
Another success story is Mitchell Fraley, Katie's 17-year-old son. Before joining PEERS, Mitchell was somewhat reserved. However, since joining the Adolescent PEERS group, he has come out of his shell, learning the difference between a friend and an acquaintance, and developing a newfound confidence.
The PEERS program covers a wide range of topics, including conversation cues, electronic communication, handling disagreements, organizing get-togethers, dating skills, choosing appropriate friends, using humor, and assessing humor feedback. Ron Haley, the instructor of the Adolescent PEERS group, emphasizes the importance of these skills, stating that they are crucial for success in academic, community, or employment environments.
To ensure the program's effectiveness, the ZEC offers both in-person instruction and an online class for 14 weeks, allowing students from across the Commonwealth to participate. The Adolescent PEERS group, which met on the night of July 1st, had four participants.
The PEERS FINALE Night, held at Strike and Spare, 510 Commonwealth Avenue in Erlanger, was a celebration of the course's completion. The event included bowling, pizza, and games, and was marked by many smiles from both parents and students.
ZEC's commitment to its students doesn't end with the completion of the course. Bradi, a parent, was impressed with the ZEC's follow-up calls on Thursdays, which provide ongoing support and encouragement.
Brandon Releford, Executive Director of the ZEC, explains that the social event is meant to utilize the communication skills learned in the program and thrive in social settings. The event was a testament to the success of the PEERS program, as participants demonstrated their newfound social skills with ease and confidence.
The ZEC PEERS program is part of The Point/Arc's broader efforts to support individuals with disabilities in gaining independence and developing meaningful connections within their communities. Through programs like PEERS, the ZEC is helping young adults with I/DD to reach their highest potential and lead fulfilling, socially engaging lives.
- The Zembrodt Education Center (ZEC) in Erlanger, Kentucky, extends its commitment to students beyond the completion of the PEERS course, with follow-up calls on Thursdays providing ongoing support.
- Brandon Releford, Executive Director of the ZEC, emphasizes that the social events, like the PEERS FINALE Night held at Strike and Spare, are designed to help participants apply the communication skills learned in the program and thrive in social settings.
- The PEERS program, part of The Point/Arc's broader efforts in Kentucky, is not just about education-and-self-development, but also about fostering personal-growth and learning essential interpersonal abilities.
- In Covington, another success story is emerging as Mitchell Fraley, Katie's 17-year-old son, has come out of his shell, learning the difference between a friend and an acquaintance, and developing a newfound confidence since joining the Adolescent PEERS group.
- The ZEC PEERS program, which covers a wide range of topics including conversation cues, electronic communication, and dating skills, is making a significant difference in the lives of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and contributing to a supportive community in Erlanger, Kentucky, and beyond, ultimately aiding in their education, employment, and personal-growth.
