The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - August 21, 2000

Here we are again heading into a new academic year. Hopefully those of you who had the summer off were able to relax and enjoy the time. It was evident at Convocation this year that there are many new faces on campus. So, I am going to take this opportunity to once again provide a little overview of the LIGHT Center and its’ services as well as update changes that have taken place.

The Light Center offers four Guidance classes to students at this campus.

This is a half unit course designed for students who feel they might have some learning problems or differences. Throughout this course the student undergoes a full assessment of ability and achievement to determine if they have a learning disability as defined by the California Community College system. Detailed information about the student’s learning style is provided, as well as access to adaptive strategy training. The student can also receive instructional assistance during the time they are enrolled in Guidance 343. Students with a history of reading and writing problems, math weakness, as well as conceptualization difficulties often are referred to this class. To enroll, the student must visit a DSPS counselor to obtain a referral.

Students who have been through Guidance 343 and have been found to meet the CCC’s definition of a Learning Disability are eligible to subsequently enroll in this class. Also, students with other verified disabilities may also enroll. This includes students with mobility, visual or hearing impairments, acquired brain injuries, psychological disorders as well as a variety of others accepted by the CCC system. Once enrolled, the students can make use of one on one instructional assistance, study groups, and adaptive strategy training classes. The classes include such topics as seminar type instruction in reading comprehension strategies, communication skill development, anger management etc.

This is a basic computer skills class for students with verified disabilities who have little or no experience in computers. It goes slower than other computer classes so one doesn’t have to feel inadequate or embarrassed.

This class offers individual and small group instruction designed to meet the goals of the students enrolled. This may include instruction using specific adaptive equipment such as a screen enlarger or word recognition program, or it may be more general, like learning to use the internet or specific programs such as Microsoft Word, Access etc.

Please send any comments or questions to
trish-blair@redwoods.edu

Fear less, hope more; Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more; Hate less, love more;
And all good things are yours."
Swedish Proverb

We were very fortunate over the summer to have some renovations completed. The High Tech Center has been remodeled, as well as some painting and miscellaneous improvements completed throughout the LIGHT Center. Many thanks to Tim Flanagan, Gus Sperry, Frank Martinez and others who did a great job for us.

We are very pleased to have Sandy Alcaraz at the LIGHT Center as our new front desk/reception person. She is from San Diego and has just recently relocated in the Eureka area. She is busy learning the ropes and doing a great job. Kathi Edwards who was in this position last year decided she wanted to stay home and be a homemaker. We wish her the best.

The Diabasis Committee will be again meeting this year. The committee addresses the needs of students considered "at risk". Student names can be referred to the committee at any time by any staff member. The "at risk" part can pertain to academics, emotional status, health, economic situation etc. If you have questions you can contact any of the following individuals: MaryJo Stepp, Harry Pyke, Rodney Kaloostian, Carol Hubbard, Pisila Smith, Marcy Foster, Rich Rohweder, or Trish Blair.