Students enrolled in the Adult Based Life Experience (A.B.L.E.) program are not limited to the teachings of a classroom. The community serves as their schoolhouse.
A.B.L.E. teaches severely developmentally delayed adults from ages 18-22 vocational skills, how to live independently, social skills, functional academics and community integration. Through group activities and work experience, students are given the chance to expand their knowledge and involvement with society.
“The community itself is our classroom,” said team leader Joey Johnson. “We are a classroom without walls, so it is more hands on.”
The program began in 1995 with three teachers and 40 students. This year there are 10 teachers and approximately 140 students. According to Johnson, one of the reasons for the growth of the program is the dedication of staff and teachers.
“We (the teachers and staff) are there to mentor and guide. It is more of an influential role, not a dictatorship. They are adults, so we try to treat them as such,” Johnson said. “They come every day, so we must be doing something right.”
After completing high school, students can join this program. According to Johnson, this is college for this population. They spend time learning in a classroom, working around the community, receiving physical education at Cal State-Bakersfield and gyms around town, and they go on educational and recreational outings throughout Bakersfield.
The students receive opportunity to work around Bakersfield doing various community service jobs. One of the places they serve is at Bakersfield College. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the students can be seen cleaning the cafeteria area in the mornings.
“They love it,” said Lori Tullis, A.B.L.E. teacher. “It gives them a sense of fulfillment. It helps them to see possible jobs in their future. This is their favorite part of the week.”
Their duties in the cafeteria include cleaning tables, sweeping floors, emptying trash cans and washing windows. According to Tullis, they receive a lot of positive feedback from employees and students at BC.
“They really enjoy it. The rewards come not only internally, but they are paid through work ability,” Johnson said.
As payment the students will receive either money or tokens for their work. Students who receive tokens have a student store where they can purchase various items.
“It is a good tool for behavior development. The work keeps them focused,” Johnson said.
Each student is given different goals and objectives that they work for during the four-year program. At the end of the program, when the adults are 22 years of age, they have a graduation ceremony where they receive a certificate of completion. This year, 30 students will be graduating.
In an interview, Johnson recalled one of his favorite memories while involved with the program. One year, Johnson had just begun his speech at graduation when one of the non-verbal students walked up and stood beside him. Johnson said he became his assistant throughout the ceremony.
“Every year at the graduation ceremony something special happens that makes everyone cry or laugh,” Johnson said. “Each ceremony, there is something special that makes us happy with what we do.”
Although classes are being held at several locations in the Kern High School District, growth of the program has resulted in a need for more teaching space. Johnson said they are currently looking for a larger location to teach the students.
“We judge our success on whether or not our students are happy,” Johnson said.