Program aids disabled adults

Tuesday, July 20, 1999 | 10:05 a.m.

Learning no longer ends at 22 for the physically and mentally disabled adults who now attend Salvation Army's Star Program.

The Henderson program, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, provides socialization and pre-vocational opportunities for mentally and physically disabled young adults who at the age of 22 can no longer attend classes within the Clark County school system.

Most of the 15 adults in the program are living with parents or with a caregiver. Many live with brain injuries, Down's Syndrome, cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. About half of the members are quadraplegic and paraplegic. The average age is 36.

Although the program prepares individuals for more advanced training, most of the participants are learning pre-vocational skills, Jan Stone, coordinator for the Star Program said.

Those basic skills include hand-eye coordination, showing up on time everyday, proper dress, increased self-esteem and the ability to get along with others. Basic computer skills are also taught.

"Some of them will be able to move on," Stone said. "Most of them come because they want to be around other people." For those older than 22 "there really isn't any place for them to go," Stone said. "Some of them stay home and watch TV."

The program operates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and costs $40 a day. It's funded privately or by Medicaid. The United Way also supports the program.

The Star Program's one-year anniversary will be celebrated 1 to 3 p.m. July 29 at 830 E. Lake Mead Drive in Henderson.