Frankie Crudo always thought his disability might hold him back from some of his dreams. He never expected to be able to go his prom. Nor did he think he would go to hockey tournaments or on trips. Yet he was able to do all of these things. “But mostly, I never thought I would go to college,” he said. “And I did that!”
Crudo (pictured above) and several other Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) students gave short presentations at the “Building on Strengths” conference at Humber College. The conference, for CICE staff at colleges in Ontario, was held at Humber for the second straight year so best practices could be discussed and shared. The CICE program is for adults with developmentally disabilities, and provides them with the skills to succeed at college, work, home and the community.
Humber was the first school in Ontario to begin the CICE program, 25 years ago. The Humber program takes students with moderate developmental disabilities including students who have difficulty with reading and writing.
For students such as Parvesh Sharma, CICE gave him real work experience.
“I did my work experience at Wal-Mart in the toys department,” said Sharma. “I organized the shelves, helped put away the toys, did the returns and helped customers with price checks.”
The two-year CICE program is coordinated by Rosanna To, professor in the School of Health Sciences. Jennifer Chatsick, also from SHS, works as integration facilitator. They are encouraged by the progress the students have made in their two years.
“When they start here, they have often not been given many opportunities to succeed,” said To. “This program encourages them, but it is more than that. It teaches them skills which they can use in all areas of their lives, including finding employment. But it is more than just employment training. They learn how to a part of a vibrant, active community.”
Jeffrey Letarte would often spend his time at Humber playing sports with his classmates, including working out in the gym on the treadmill, and playing soccer, basketball and hockey. His most memorable experience though was working in the Linx pub of Humber College.
“Working there was fun because I’ve never worked in a bar before, though I’ve enjoyed beers in a bar,” he said with a laugh. “My duties were wiping down tables, and making sure the tables were set up properly. I also served food to people that came to eat, and one time, I even got a tip.”
Many of the students said they will miss their time at Humber.
“I had a great experience at Humber. I was able to make friends, learn to work hard, get a job, and feel really good about myself,” said Crudo.
He thanked the staff for their work and dedication to students with developmental disabilities.
“I have value in this world and I make a difference, and so do you,” he said. “What I got at Humber is a chance to be someone special. Now, I can say that if you work hard and really try, everything is possible.”
