Holiday Party at ACES!

Today we celebrated the holidays with singing, magic and a visit from old St. Nick.

 

CLICK HERE   to see the slideshow.

Enjoy the pictures and your holiday season.

My trip to Hawaii, by Bianca Lovato

  My trip to Hawaii was awesome!   The ocean, waterfall and flowers were so pretty.  I shopped and went to a Luau.   All the people were nice and I enjoyed talking to them.  On the ship, I saw a magic show and ate at a restuarant called the Cadallac Diner.   

Meet John

       John works for ARCA in Human Resources.  He works three afternoons a week.   He is also a student in ARCA Literacy.   John has taken many of his new literacy skills and applied them to his job. 
"I love my  job and I am learning so much," he said.  He also said his improved computer skills give him more confidence on the job.
   In literacy, John practices data entry in Microsoft Excel.   He also has become very good at using the internet.   
"I have found a lot of new programs on the internet."
  John has found several typing websites  that are both fun and interactive.
He plans to stay at his job for now.   A future goal of his is to go back to school and study
culinary arts.

Back to School

  It's that time of year again - ARCA Literacy participants are teaching sign language at area preschools.    City programs generously donate books that ARCA students get to hand out to each child. The children love to learn sign language, read stories with us and then take a book home to share with their family. ARCA students have been traveling Albuqerque Headstarts for 8 years, sharing their love of reading and sign language with preschoolers in the community.

Our email to Architects of 1 World Trade Center

We watched a program about the new buildings and memorial
at the site of the twin towers.  We learned about the new
1 World Trade Center building.  It will have many safety features.  We sent emails to the architects to learn what features it has for people with disabilities.  We hope to hear from them soon.
 Check back to see what we find out!

From Gabby, Roland, Patricia, AJ, Vicky, Clint and Tyler

Meet Drew Blanton

We recently interviewed an amazing person, Drew Blanton.  He has many interests, one of which is making videos.   You can see his videos and learn more about him at  his youtube site or   his

website.  (Drew is wearing the black cap)

Q. Tell us about yourself.

A. I was originally from Georgia and then moved to NM.

I was run over by a car when I was 9 months old. That’s why I’m in a wheelchair now.

Q. Do you have a job?

A. My main job is a performer. I have done many performances at VSA, here in Albuquerque. Acting is something I enjoy. I love to perform for people and that is what I do best.  I like to make people happy.

I also teach for Americorp.

Q. We watched your videos on you tube, why did you make all those videos?

A. I make videos for inspiration for myself but also to inspire others to do what they want.

Q. Why did you choose to dress as the Greatest American Hero in your video?

A. I think I look like him and I liked the movie.

Q. Do you enjoy being out in the community?

A. Yes, I go to the library and I like talking to people.

Q. Tell us about living in  an ARCA home.

A. I used to live in Tijeras with my family. Then about 3 years ago I moved into the Park house. I like it a lot.

Q. We work on computers here a lot, do you like to work on computers?

A. Yes, I make my videos on a computer and like to play games.

Interview about caring for children with autism

Chelsea Oppenheim, a student in ARCA literacy, interviews fellow student Gabby Garcia about her nephew.   He has been diagnosed with autism.  Gabby discusses several strategies she has developed when caring for him.

First Post

Hello, welcome to our new and improved coolstudents site.   We will share a number of interviews and stories we have done.  We have video interviews as well.  We want to hear your stories about advocacy.  Maybe we could interview you or someone you know!  Please follow us by email and subscribe to us so you can read our newest posts.

An interview with Katy Rodriguez

Katie Rodriguez Banister is a friend to us. We read about her on her website, access-4-all.com. She writes books and she helps kids. We wrote to her and she responded to us. She wrote us two letters. We learned a lot about her. We can teach her about us.
Katie has written four books. Some of us have a disability like her. She is able to do a lot. We can do a lot just like her. Katie says "Do your best and be someone other like to be around." -- By Doreen, Todd, Delbert, Nicole, Kelly and Rolley