UCP of East Central Florida Clients Inspire Students to Read

Drew Colby, a client in the adult basic education program of UCP of East Central Florida,
reads to students at Westside Elementary.
(Photo credit: The Daytona Beach News-Journal/Sean McNeil)

At Westside Elementary School in Daytona Beach, Florida, young children and adults alike are becoming inspired to read. Last month, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of East Central Florida began a partnership with the elementary school, letting clients from its adult basic education program, who have various developmental and learning disabilities, to become more involved in student projects at such as the Happy About Reading Time (H.A.R.T.) program at Westside Elementary.

Volunteers in the community normally read to four children in kindergarten and first grade, weekly. For UCP clients like Josie Navarre and Drew Colby, the program has proven to be mutually beneficial. Both the children and adults have developed a steadfast relationship, allowing them to learn from one another, break down barriers and increase general awareness about people with disabilities.

Judi Winch, principle of Westside Elementary School and founder of the reading program explained that “children are really aware that not every person is alike and they can still be successful in life and happy in their life…"

The program has helped the students and adults to improve their reading levels. Lovene Seaborn, lead instructor for adult basic education, said H.A.R.T. not only improves her adult students' reading, but "gives them a chance to focus on their abilities." Colby, who has autism, explains that he's "expanding his horizons" by reading to the children. He likes "being a friend and a mentor to them."

The full news story by Deborah Circelli, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, is available online at www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2010/03/05/united-cerebral-palsy-clients-inspire-students-to-read.html.