Josh Shop's at Academy Sport

Josh Shearon, a participant in the Smith Center's Day Habilitation Program, used Rural Transportation for the first time today. He has always ridden with a parent, family member, on a school bus or on one of the Smith Center buses. Josh planned his shopping trip with his instructor, Sandra Cranmore, as part of his Individualized Program Plan (IPP). He was to use Rural Transportation to take him to the store and return him to the Center. Josh was so excited to independently pay the driver for the trip.

Devin Jackson, a Center QDDP (Qualified Developmentally Disabled Professional) met Josh at Academy Sport to assist him with his shopping. His plan was to purchase an Alabama fanny pack and T-shirt. Devin and Josh weren't able to find a "Bama" fanny pack, but did find one that Josh liked. You will see from the pictures below that he paid for his purchases himself. Josh is a loyal Bama fan and was proud of his new shirt, which will join the dozens of Alabama shirts already in his closet. Hey, Josh says you can never have too many Bama shirts!!!

This activity is a very important part of what we do at the Smith Center. Instructors encourage the individuals to choose activities and training goals that they are interested in as part of their IPP. Our goal is to equip and empower our citizens to establish their own goals and exercise their knowledge, skills, and abilities to better contribute to their community. Josh did that today.