About Compensatory Education
The fourth program in Basic Skills, Compensatory Education is a community college program designed specifically for adults with mental retardation or functioning on a level equivalent to mental retardation resulting from head injury or brain damage. The purpose of the program is to compensate adults with developmental disabilities for the lack of, or inadequate, education received earlier. The focus of the Compensatory Education Program is on helping the individual become as independent as possible through acquiring basic and life skills needed to function successfully in daily living.
Classes are offered in room 131 at PCC main campus Monday through Friday from 8:15 - 2:45. Contact: Amanda Bennett, Director of Basic Skills 252-249-1851 ex. 3083 or abennett@pamlicocc.edu.
Compensatory Education Student Art to be Exhibited at Circle Ten Art Gallery in Oriental, NC
Circle Ten Art Gallery in Oriental, NC will feature a community service exhibit during the month of February in its guest gallery exhibition area. Compensatory Education students from Pamlico Community College will exhibit original works of art in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional form. These students are adults with developmental disabilities, usually, but not always, some form of mental retardation.
Federal law mandates that every state provide some form of compensatory education for these adults. North Carolina is one of a very few states in the nation which has chosen to provide classroom instruction in this area via the community college system. The class at Pamlico Community College currently has twelve students.
Recognizing the therapeutic value of promoting artistic expression has been a significant part of the curriculum for these students according to Kathryn Gillenwater, instructor for this program at PCC. "Many of these students do exceptionally well with a variety of art media. For two consecutive years, the college has capitalized on their talents with the creation of a Christmas card which was the college's holiday greeting card sent throughout the community college system," she said.
Gillenwater added, "Circle Ten's recognition of their talents and abilities will be such a boost for their self-esteem. While this is not the work of trained art professionals, their work will provide much insight for the public understanding of their ability to contribute to our culture and our society. From hand decorated gourds by Morgan Brophy to the drawings of trucks by Tillman Ireland, this exhibit will be a glimpse into their world."
According to Eloise Brown, immediate past president of Circle Ten, "Our membership is so enthusiastic about providing a venue for these students. This exhibit will be a refreshing new look at the role art plays in the lives of all people."
The exhibit opens with a reception Sunday, February 1, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. "We know this reception and exhibit are going to be extremely popular. Our gift to Pamlico County is to share the artistic gifts of these individuals with a broader audience."
Joan Burns, PCC art instructor, said, "Artistic expression is not just for the art student or the professional artist. Art is a part of all people and it certainly is such an important part of the lives of our Compensatory Education students. I am confident a great number of people will turn out to see and feel the joy these students have in expressing themselves with art."
A Glimpse of Compensatory Education Students at the State Fair
Tillman purchased a toy wooden tractor-trailer from a craftsman at the Village of Yesteryear.
Thomas found the camel to be a favorite in the petting zoo.
Billy reached over to pet goats and sheep.
Thomas and Nelvin, flying high. Morgan said they were crazy to do this.
Not undaunted, Billy and Nelvin kept at it.
Circling his finger beside his head, Morgan said they were still crazy to keep riding thrill rides.
All agreed that Tillman was a brave man to be the passenger.
Which one of these guys is the real clown?
Just leave the driving to us.
 
A well deserved rest.
Continuing
Education At PCC
Continuing
Ed at PCC offers an amazing range of course opportunities
- from First Aid to Computers to Boat Building. Continuing Education schedules can be downloaded by clicking here. For updates to the Small Business Center seminars click here.
Continuing
Education staff members are Tammy Spain, Misty Rasmussen, Amanda Bennett and Kenny Weatherington. We welcome your
comments and suggestions. Please call to share your
ideas with us at 252-249-1851, extension 3019.
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