MUNCIE, Ind. — To some educators, students with disabilities are often left with little resources for their future after high school. However, the Erksine Green Training Institute, founded by The Arc Of Indiana Foundation, is the nation’s first post-secondary vocational training program to help change that.
Megan Stevenson, the EGTI Director, has a background in special education and applied behavior analysis and has worked with the team since the start of this program in 2016.
“The arc’s offices are in Indianapolis, but the first training program was built here in the hotel in 2016,” Stevenson said. “Up here, students get the chance to live up here, which gives them the residential component. Students can also commute if they live locally, but they can also live here on-site.”
The Erksine Training Institute offers a variety of skills and programs that cater to all students' needs. The programs offer real-life simulations that allow students to apply the skills that they’ve learned, especially since the program is located in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.
“Here in Muncie, we offer restaurant and hospitality programs, or they can learn through the IU Ball Memorial Hospital healthcare program,” stated Stevenson. “So it’s healthcare, hospitality and food.”
Not only are the students learning essential job skills, but they also get an opportunity to learn independence from the institute. For many, this is their first time leading their own choices.
“The students get to learn how to get up on their own, ride the bus to the hospital if needed and make their own choices regarding what they want to do with their time,” Stevenson said.
Although this program has existed for over a decade, many families must be aware. Despite that, Megan remains hopeful for the future.
“The program's ultimate goal is to see more individuals with disabilities employed and become productive members of society,” Stevenson said.
The institute hopes to grow more in different aspects, especially by adding more student training programs.
To learn more about the program, go to their website here.
Contact Amelia Winter with comments at amelia.winter@bsu.edu.
