Department News

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

All parents want their children to become successful, caring adults. Service-learning projects are a wonderful way to teach children the importance of helping others and giving back. Service learning also helps kids, especially kids with special needs, to develop empathy and responsibility, communication skills, self esteem, and community connectedness. Youth enrolled in the After School Program take part in at least ten service projects each year, such as winter coat and canned food drives, bake sales and fundraisers, and clean up of parks and playgrounds. Redwood’s school-agers can and do make a difference!

ADULT INDEPENDENCE

Art Studio, led by team leader Kara Millennor, teaches the fundamentals of art and creative expression. Each Friday morning, 20 adults eagerly explore line, form, and color while creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces with acrylic paint, charcoal, pencil, and clay. Redwood artists displayed their completed work at the first “Art Walk” exhibit this past October. Artists greeted guests, answered questions, and talked about what inspires them. Several completed pieces of art are still on display in the Adult Independence hallway. Stop in!

WORKFORCE SUCCESS

The Computer Learning Center, recently awarded three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, provides computer-based career and personal development coursework to enhance employability. The popular Basic Computer & Office Skills Program offers computer basics, keyboarding, and instruction in Microsoft Office products. The new Workforce Enhancement Skills Program teaches personal, interpersonal, and communication skills; professional development; and job preparation. Both courses offer an “applied concepts lab” to guide practice of newly learned skills. For more information, to enroll, or to make a referral, contact Kristi Kinman, Director of Workforce Success at (859) 331-0880 or kkinman@redwoodnky.org.

THERAPY & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Replacing an old communication device with a new system can be a daunting task. Just like other equipment, there are exciting new features to consider. Speech therapy and assistive technology staff helped an adult obtain a Tango communication device for trial use, taught him how to use it, and tailored it to his specific needs. Because the device included a special feature to allow communication with a driver when being transported, the bus driver asked to observe a therapy session. With just a little instruction, the adult and bus driver had an enjoyable conversation. The conversations will continue as the adult decided to purchase the Tango!