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Goal at CCARC is to help people discover their true potential
Such was the case with Michael Rotton, who formerly received services from Clarke County ARC (CCARC). Michael, who is considered deaf due to his very limited ability to hear, graduated from the Thomasville City School system before coming to CCARC. He was excited at the prospect and viewed it as getting a "job" at the facility. "It was a challenge for our staff to communicate with Michael," said CCARC Success Coordinator Corey Campbell. "We had no one on our staff who could sign. Although Michael can read lips, even the best lip reader only comprehends about 30 percent of what is being said. We weren't able to provide him with the services to assist him in reaching his full potential. When you don't have the resources you go get them by collaborating with other agencies and organizations." Michelle Jones, regional director for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB), was contacted. She had previously met with some of CCARC's clients who are hearing and sight impaired. "She (Jones) met with Michael and took an interest in him," explained Campbell. "She felt he had more potential." Jones brought AIDB client Matthew Hutton, who is completely deaf, to meet with Michael. Hutton attends the Gentry School for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega, which is a residential facility that prepares the sight and hearing impaired to function in society by helping them learn life skills. The possibility of Michael attending Gentry was explored and eventually became a reality. "Michael was missing his friends from high school and needed that camradery," said Campbell. "He viewed going to Gentry as college for him." Now Michael is learning computer skills and has indicated he enjoys attending art class. His case manager recently informed Campbell that Michael quickly began to learn new things. "Michael is an excellent example of our mission to help people reach the level they desire," said CCARC Director Graham Braswell. "If we can't help them get there, we must take the needed steps to ensure they do, even if that means reaching out to other agencies. This is just one example of how we face quality of life issues with those we serve. Sometimes taking that extra step to assist someone in reaching their full potential is what it takes, and we will continue to do that." Michael is the son of Beverly and Mike Rotton.
This year, CCARC celebrates its 35th year. The public is invited to join the organization in a celebration of this milestone at its annual Spring Jubilee, March 15 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. See next week's issue for an in-depth look at this year's event.
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