| Older Adults and Adults With Disabilities |
5/23/03 12:07 PM |
| Author:
Judith Teitler
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I want to address only two of the many issues in raised in this discussion. I am involved in Adult Education and coordinate two Programs at the San Mateo Adult School, San Mateo California.
Regarding additional areas which should be included as priorities under Adult Education, two areas are critical: Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities.
OLDER ADULTS. The Older Adult population is the fastest growing segment of our society and this trend will only accelerate as the "Baby Boomers" enter their pre retirement and retirement years. Although they may not be continuing in the work arena (although a percentage are) they have a tremendous amount to offer within their communities. Continued learning opportunities are essential to maintain up-to-date skill levels and knowledge base. As funding for education, health and human service programs becomes tighter and less available, organizations rely on the active involvement of senior adults to assist paid staff. Older Adult classes are key in teaching new or expanded skills to individuals. These older adults use their newly developed or expanded talents into their communities, for the benefit of their communities. At the same time, the seniors experience an increased level of involvement, increased self-confidence and value to their community, which, as we all know, are important factors in maintaining their well being. This leads to cost savings to other systems, particularly in the health care arena.
Computer Classes and health and welfare classes are two of the most heavily subscribed areas of Adult Education Classes. Learning to take care of oneself through a wide range of exercise, stress reduction and wellness classes are all in great demand. In the long run, improved self-care, some of which may be labeled life-style (in a belittling way) reduces costs in the health care arena and is of benefit to the family, health care providers and community. Other than this brief comment, I won't take the space to discuss the value of computer education for this population. Most had no exposure to commuters, electronic technology, the Internet, email or the digital world earlier in their lives. Classes geared to learning needs in this area are vital to their continued involvement in the broader community. This becomes of even greater importance as individuals develop of chronic health problems often associated with aging, which limits mobility in the broader community.
Classes may be fun and look as if they are recreational in nature. The skill and talent of the instructors are the keys to creating an educational environment to which the students are drawn, committed and progress. As we all know, "Learning does and should not be dull" in order to be good.
Despite the glitziness of many communities, a significant proportion of older adults live on fixed incomes and are in modest financial circumstances. Although the percentage has dropped slightly in recent years, the number who are at or below the poverty line is larger than we want to acknowledge. In this era of economic difficulty and rising health care costs, personal finances are more restricted. Classes for older adults need to have public financial support in order to continue to be available. While some senior adults are able and willing to pay for their continued education, a very high percentage are cannot afford cthe cost of classes.
Classes for ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES These are often the forgotten people in our communities. Adults with Disabilities cover a wide range of situations: developmentally disabled adults, those with serious mental health difficulties, cerebral palsy and many others with special needs. In general, while the K — 12 grades provide for their educational needs until young adulthood, their educational needs do not end at that point. These individuals continue to learn and our communities benefit from their increased skills. Some of the education is employment related and many move ahead into job placements at levels which match their capabilities. They become productive members of the community. However, these population groups require educational environments geared to their special needs. Other critical areas for this population include communication, interpersonal skills and wellness classes.
One critical factor which needs to be stated with respect to Adults with Disabilities Programs is that for these students often maintenance is the desired goal. In an educational environment, these adults need continued reinforcement environment of the skills and knowledge that they have mastered. Prevention of deterioration is a legitimate goal for many.
Community Colleges and Adult Schools: Avoidance of duplication, definition of responsibilities, credential-related matters and collaborative endeavors are definitely topics which could benefit from review, clarification and hopefully some system wide improvement to both systems. . Sharing and joint use arrangements may have benefit to both systems. However, combining these two systems into one may not automatically lead to cost savings or improved, accessible and affordable education for the population reached by Adult Schools. Some of the differences between the system systems relate to the development of each system. Adult Schools were and continue to be deeply committed to reaching into the community, reaching the underserved, the low income, those of all ages for whom English is not the first language and those who may not be seeking "high education". Adult Schools aim to locate themselves in easily accessible areas of the community with respect to public transportation. This is particularly important in suburban and more rural areas. Adults school strive to provide an atmosphere for people for whom their prior formal education may have been limited and whose classes, with the open entry/open exit approach (in most instrances) fits the needs of the students.
Although there are many other aspects of this about which I might comment, I belive I've opened up a few of my concerns. Thank you for this opportunity.
Posted as a reply to:
SB 823 - Adult Education by Charles Ratliff 
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