On Monday, November 12, the GRCC Foundation celebrated with recipients of the Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship. We also celebrated the second year of the partnership between GRCC and Spectrum Health, which made these scholarships possible. In just two years of this program, over $700,000 will have been awarded to sophomores in our Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Medical Assisting programs. We are so thankful to Spectrum Health for providing this opportunity for our students.
Tag Archives: occupational therapy assistant
GRCC In the News, 7-9-18
Education, business leaders push talent
July 6, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal
With Michigan’s lack of talent at the forefront of concerns in the business community, the area’s education and business leaders are working to better prepare young people for the workforce.
… Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Rapids Community College recently announced another new partnership, which will extend the existing Grand Rapids Learning Center partnership which helps identify a career path or transition to college to better include all students in the city.
Grand Rapids African American Institute: bridging the gap in healthcare professions
July 5, 2018; WGVU
Marcus Jones, a Black American student at Grand Rapids Community College on the Occupational Therapist track was first exposed to the profession when he began working at a Spectrum Health Hospital downtown Grand Rapids.
Pathways to careers: Initiative to improve access for people of color to health care jobs
July 7, 2018; mibiz.com
GRAND RAPIDS — Creating a level playing field for people of color in Michigan who want to pursue careers in the health care sector will lay the foundation for their success and the state’s future economic growth.
… Aquinas College, Calvin College, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Hope College will participate in the study to develop college-specific plans of action to engage students of color in reducing barriers to them choosing to study health care professions.
July 7, 2018; mibiz.com
Talent issues dominate most business discussions these days, and that’s certainly true among entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids restaurant scene.
… How well do the local culinary schools around the region do in training the next generation of workers for your restaurants? Are you recruiting from them?
(Geoff) GASKIN: (Chef Oscar Moreno) went out and spent a lot of time with the Secchia Institute at GRCC, and we have three that came from there that work at MeXo. I will say, they have stood out a little bit more than the others. Their chef coats a little buttoned up more. … They’re coming out now and describing the food.
45 teams earn MCCAA All-Academic Team Awards
July 1, 2018; mccaa.org
The Michigan Community College Athletic Association is proud to announce that 45 teams have earned MCCAA All-Academic Team honors. To earn the honors a team must have a cumulative grade point average for all members of the team must be 3.00 or higher for both semesters combined.
Mott Community College had six teams (Volleyball, Softball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Basketball and Golf) earn All-Academic Team honors. Grand Rapids Community College had five teams. Ancilla College, Lansing Community College, Macomb Community College and Muskegon Community College had four teams each. Softball was the sport with the most All-Academic Teams with 11, while Volleyball had seven teams. Women’s cross country had six teams, while Women’s Basketball has five teams.
Derrick King named Wyoming Lee boys basketball coach
July 5, 2018; MLive
Wyoming — Lee’s boys basketball team won four games last winter, but Derrick King has a plan to get the Rebels on track.
King, who served as an assistant coach for the Grand Rapids Community College men’s team this past winter, was recently hired to coach the Rebels.
Celebrate with Karen Walker on April 18
An open house retirement reception will be held for Karen Walker, of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, from 4-6 p.m. April 18 in room 421 of Cook. Everyone is invited!
GRCC In the News, 3-27-18
Four students awarded Rockford Chamber of Commerce scholarships
March 26, 2018; The Rockford Squire
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce (RCC) is proud to announce that Rockford High School seniors James Bird, Emerson Ross, Hannah Irwin, and Kendra Kalnins were named the recipients of its 2017-2018 college scholarships.
… Kendra Kalnins will be attending Grand Rapids Community College pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
Making of a champion: Bronkema leads Ferris to national title
March 27, 2018; Cadillac News
BIG RAPIDS — His training, so to speak, began in McBain.
… His (Andy Bronkema) younger brother, Luke, is the second-year head coach at Grand Rapids Community College and led the Raiders to an eighth-place finish in the NJCAA Division II National Championships last week.
GRCC In the News, 3-19-18
Grand Rapids Community College rides momentum into national tournament
March 17, 2018; FOX 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The Grand Rapid Community College men’s basketball team heads to the NJCAA national tournament winners of 8 of their last 9 including 2 wins over Ancilla college which has been ranked 1 or 2 in the country all season.
Change Ups: Jones receives honorary doctorate for improving cancer treatment
March 16, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal
… AWARDS
… Grand Rapids Community College and Spectrum Health honored the first students who received need-based Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarships. The 96 students are sophomores in GRCC’s Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Radiologic Technology programs. Scholarships ranged from $3,000-$4,000 with almost $350,000 awarded for 2017-18. Students in the Medical Assisting program will be eligible for the 2018-19 scholarships.
Carlos Sánchez lanza candidatura de GRCC
March 18, 2018; El Vocero
GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN (EVH) .- Carlos Sánchez, director del Centro de Negocios y Desarrollo Económico Latino de Ferris State University, anunció su candidatura al consejo de administración de Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).
(GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN (EVH) .- Carlos Sanchez, director of the Center for Business and Latin Economic Development at Ferris State University, announced his candidacy to the board of directors of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).)
March 19, 2018; The Lanthorn (GVSU student newspaper)
… GRCC to present the play ‘Dead Man’s Cell Phone’
From Thursday, March 29, to Saturday, March 31, Grand Rapids Community College will be presenting the play “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” by Sarah Ruhl. Ruhl, who is a MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, set the comedy in a quiet cafe, where a constantly ringing cell phone forces a woman to confront her assumptions about mortality, redemption and technology.
Medical marijuana clinic rolls with changes
March 16, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal
With the possibility of Michiganders voting on marijuana legalization in November, a Grand Rapids-based clinic is keeping an eye on legislation that could affect its bottom line.
… (Paul) Farage and (Tony) Holmes knew each other from attending Grand Rapids Community College then Grand Rapids Junior College. They had stayed in touch off and on over the years, Farage living in Hawaii and California and Holmes in Chicago.
Poet David Cope to hold reading at Kentwood library
March 16, 2018; MLive
David Cope, former poet laureate of Grand Rapids, will read from his latest release, “The Invisible Keys,” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, at the Kentwood branch of the Kent District Library, 4950 Breton SE.
… Cope, a longtime Grand Rapids Community College professor and poet, was named Grand Rapids poet laureate by the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids in 2011.
Photos from Spectrum Health Scholarship celebration
Last night we celebrated with the inaugural recipients of the Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship. We also celebrated the partnership between Spectrum Health and GRCC that made these scholarships possible. Spectrum Health created this scholarship in 2016 to encourage and assist students interested in health sciences or health careers. The 96 students who received the scholarship are sophomores in our Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Radiologic Technology programs. The need-based scholarships range from $3,000 to $4,000 with almost $350,000 awarded for 2017-18. We are so thankful to Spectrum Health for providing this opportunity for our students.
GRCC In the News, 1-3-18
Medical assistant apprenticeship success catalyst for others in region
Dec. 29, 2017; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The success of West Michigan’s Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program has gotten national attention and is the catalyst for developing other healthcare apprenticeships.
… The Medical Assistant apprenticeship emerged after Mercy Health officials reached out to representatives of Grand Rapids Community College to discuss how to meet the high demand for workers.
Jan. 2, 2018; Inside Higher Ed
Community colleges across the country are examining possible new requirements for occupational therapy assistants to get more education, which could result in the elimination of occupational therapy programs on their campuses.
… At Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan, where about 25 students enroll annually in the institution’s occupational therapy assistant program, officials are against increasing the education requirements.
Exec predicts two-year construction boom
Dec. 22, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal
The construction boom still has a couple years left on it, based on Ben Wickstrom’s predictions. The president of Erhardt Construction said his company has a steady supply of work going to 2018 and even 2019.
… Erhardt, in collaboration with ABC/WMC, has worked with Grand Rapids Community College to develop training programs for the skilled trades. The company also is starting to branch out into Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Kalamazoo Township to swear in new police chief on Jan. 5
Dec. 28, 2017; MLive
KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI — Lt. Bryan Ergang will be sworn in as chief of the Kalamazoo Township Police Department on Jan. 5.
… He has an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. He is also a recent graduate of the prestigious FBI Nation Academy.
Kendra DeJonge, GRCC volleyball player earns national recognition
Dec. 28, 2017; The Rockford Squire
A freshman player on Grand Rapids Community College’s volleyball team has received national recognition.
Lakeview’s Vellanti wins MHSFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Award
Dec. 29, 2017; The Daily News (Greenville)
LAKEVIEW — Assistant coaches don’t volunteer their time to win awards and accolades, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy them if and when they come about.
… A former Lakeview graduate, (Ryan) Vellanti went to college at Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College. He graduated college in 2000 and was promptly hired in 2001 at Lakeview as a teacher and a coach.
Liberty’s 4 newcomers add bulk to lines
Dec. 28, 2017; Salina Journal (Kan.)
The Salina Liberty beefed up the offensive and defensive lines with the signing of four newcomers for the 2018 season.
… (Dana) Harris, who’s 6-3, 318 pounds, is a Detroit native and played at Grand Rapids Community College (Mich.) and Youngstown State.
College honoring African-American leaders
Dec. 29, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal
A local college is honoring 12 African-American leaders for their “exceptional contributions” to the quality of life in Grand Rapids.
The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion at Grand Rapids Community College is hosting its 36th-annual Giants Awards and Banquet at 6 p.m. on Feb. 3 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, at 303 Monroe Ave. NW.
Dec. 19, 2017; pridesource.com
Named one of the Gayest Cities in America by The Advocate magazine in 2012, Grand Rapids became the 36th city in the state of Michigan to add protections for the LGBT community in its non-discrimination ordinance. This fair and equitable treatment has made Grand Rapids an even more inviting place for young, bright, creative-minded professionals.
… The city’s commitment to helping the LGBT community flourish is reflected in educational settings such as the Grand Rapids Community College which passed a transgender policy allowing students and staff to use the bathroom or locker room of the gender with which they identify. The inclusive Grand Valley State University was recently named one of the top 50 colleges or universities in the country when it comes to being LGBT-friendly.
Lance Werner: LJ’s 2018 Librarian of the Year
Jan. 2, 2018; Library Journal
If you ask Lance Werner, executive director of the Kent District Library (KDL), MI, what makes him a strong leader, an effective legislative advocate, and a champion of access for his patrons, his answer is simple: it’s all about forming relationships — with his staff, legislators, local business owners and CEOs, county commissioners, Michigan Library Association (MLA) administrators, LIS educators, patrons, and anyone else in a 100-mile radius. Ask him again, and he’ll bring up words such as kindness and empathy and that he loves his job.
… Local organizations, including the Literacy Center of West Michigan (LCWM), the Kent Intermediate School District, and Steelcase Corporation, have actively partnered with the library to help implement the program, as well as a collaboration between Grand Rapids Community College and KDL to provide all-ages STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) programming.
Man sentenced in Hookah Lounge shooting that killed 22-year-old
Dec. 26, 2017; MLive
GRAND HAVEN, MI — The man convicted in the Sept. 2016 shooting death of 22-year-old Anthony Lamb will spend at least the next two decades in state prison.
… Lamb was a 2013 Holland V.R. Tech School graduate who went on to attend Grand Rapids Community College before getting a job at Port City Muskegon Casting, according to his obituary.
18 Grand Rapids Resolutions for 2018
Jan. 2, 2018; experiencegr.com (Grand Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau website)
Happy New Year! As you think about the coming year and start vacation (or staycation) planning, Grand Rapids needs to be on your radar. With an endless calendar of events, live music all year long, and a dining scene that rivals cities twice our size, there’s something for everyone.
… 14. Savor local cuisine during Restaurant Week GR
The foodie sensation, Restaurant Week GR, is a city-wide celebration of local restaurants, innovative cuisine, and homegrown produce. It’s the perfect time to try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite. And, as Grand Rapids isn’t one to skimp on food, our celebrated week of dining is actually 12 days long. If you needed another reason to check out even more Restaurant Week GR venues, this 12-day food celebration is all for a good cause. A portion of sales from every meal goes toward the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education Student Scholarship Fund at Grand Rapids Community College.
Classes resume in West Michigan
Jan. 2, 2018; WOOD Radio
Back to school! Most students will return to class on Monday next week, but some Lakeshore districts start on Thursday to accommodate the likelihood of more snow days. A few colleges and high schools start the spring semester later in January, and offer a very short program of concentrated instruction.
… Grand Rapids Community College: Classes begin Monday, January 8.
Medical Mile: a vision for change in Grand Rapids
Dec. 29, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Thirty years ago, Grand Rapids stood at a crossroads after more than a century as a manufacturing hub for the furniture and the auto industries, the city’s job sectors were changing. Thousands of manufacturing jobs were in decline or moving elsewhere, taking a once vibrant and dynamic economy with them. Our lively, postwar downtown filled with restaurants, shops and small businesses slowly was becoming a ghost town. There simply was not enough business to keep them open. Like many industrial cities in the late 20th century, Grand Rapids was a city in need of creative thought leaders who didn’t adhere to the status quo. Some feared we didn’t have what it would take to turn things around. They were wrong.
… Following the building of the institute, philanthropists, nonprofit entities and private-sector enterprises began showing renewed interest in the Michigan Street corridor, building academic institutions, hospitals and businesses. Together with Grand Valley State University, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan State University and many others, we have created a powerful source for economic growth, collaboration and continued development in the heart of Grand Rapids.
(This is a guest column written by David Van Andel, chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute.)
GRCC In the News, 4-3-17
Relatives pay tribute to man killed on highway trying to help friend
April 2, 2017; FOX 17
EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. A man who police say was killed while merging too slowly onto US-131 last month has been laid to rest.
… (William) Wilson-Wade had just started working as a sales associate at AT&T and was a 2010 graduate of Forest Hills Central. He previously attended GRCC and Central Michigan University.
Change Ups: Gaddy is Women’s Resource Centers new CEO
March 31, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal
… EDUCATION
… Grand Rapids Community College teamed up with Kent Intermediate School District on Launch U, a tuition-free early college program. Students in the four-year Launch U program will graduate with a high school diploma and a GRCC associate degree in mechanical design, tooling and manufacturing technology, or industrial technology. Launch U was created in partnership with local school districts, GRCC and area manufacturing representatives.
Attracting talent will be focus of Summit Up! Event
April 3, 2017; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Summit Up! event in which more than a dozen business leaders will discuss methods of attracting, developing and retaining talent.
… Other speakers will include Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works!, Kevin Stotts, president of Talent 2025 and Bill Pink, incoming president of Grand Rapids Community College.
Inside Track: Putting his mark on Grand Rapids
March 32, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Isaac Norris finds similarities between his love of music and his work as an architect.
… Meeting an architect with the same skin color at a young age showed him becoming an architect was possible, so his interests growing up from drawing and painting to building model cars all made sense as he entered the working world. He received an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College before venturing to the University of Detroit School of Architecture now called University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture for a bachelor’s degree.
Q&A: Michelle Urbane Theater Manager, GRCC’s Spectrum Theatre
March 31, 2017; Revue
The Spectrum Theater, located on Fountain Street in Grand Rapids Community College’s campus, houses four theater troupes and is always bustling with activity. Managing all that activity is Michelle Urbane, theater manager. On top of managing the box office, Urbane directs and performs in shows and can always be seen running from one place to the next, always with a big smile on her face.
Comprehensive Therapy Center CWC Awards Finalist
March 31, 2017; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Our next finalist for the Connecting with Community Awards is the Comprehensive Therapy Center.
… It started with a summer camp called Therapy and Fun, which meets three times a week during the summer, from June to August. This camp model allows therapists and volunteers to come together to provide dance, music, and reading to the children in the camp. Volunteers for the summer camp can be children as young as 5th graders. The camp recruits their volunteers from area middle and high schools, such as Kent Intermediate School District. They also have partnered with GVSU speech pathology graduate students, Davenport occupational program students, and the GRCC OT program to gain volunteers that can invest in their children.
OTA students apply lessons on GRCC campus
Recently, GRCC Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students were able to apply their lessons in ergonomics and injury prevention to real-world situations on the GRCC campus.
The OTA students visited students in the Radiology program to advise them in ways to pack and carry school backpacks in order to prevent physical strain and injury.
The OTA students also observed students at work in Machine Tooling, Electrical, and Construction programs at the Tassell M-TEC. Based on their observations, the OTA students developed presentations that focused on increasing students’ awareness of faulty body mechanics and work habits, and providing suggestions to prevent physical strain and injury while on the job. The OTA student presentations were filmed by the GRCC media staff and sent to the Tassell M-TEC students for viewing.
GRCC participates in Maker Faire
On August 20 and 21, GRCC faculty and staff Karen Walker, Moss Ingram, Abe Lefebre, Dan Keyes, Deb Snow, Mary Hofstra, Julie Parks, and Computer Support Technician student Herbert Johnson promoted GRCC’s various workforce programs and customized training at the Mini Maker Faire at the Grand Rapids Public Museum to over 5,600 visitors over the two days.
Maker Faire is the a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker Movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning, which this year featured rockets, robots, DIY science, sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, local food, and many educational installations.
Karen Walker presented adapted devices for self-care unique to Occupational Therapy, Moss Ingram and Herbert Johnson promoted GRCC’s Job Training Programs, and Abe Lefebre, Dan Keyes, Deb Snow, Mary Hofstra, and Julie Parks provided hands-on learning opportunities welding at GRCC’s Mobile Manufacturing Lab.
GRCC In the News, 10-13-15
Oct. 8, 2015; Community College Week
Grand Rapids Community College (Mich.) recently honored three employees for their service both on and off campus. The Excellence in Education Awards were established in 1989 to honor GRCC employees all of whom are nominated by their peers for their contributions to the college, higher education and the community. Nikki Banks, an associate professor in the Criminal Justice Department, is the winner of this year’s Faculty Award, and Lyn Jansen, an instructor with the occupational therapy assistant program, received the Adjunct Faculty Award. Amy Bennett, office manager with the Exercise Science Department, won the Staff Award. Banks, who is also chair woman of the Criminal Justice Department, started at GRCC as an adjunct instructor in 2003. She joined the faculty full-time in 2006. She is known for developing case studies for her students to discuss in class and for sharing the latest research, resources and best practices. Nominators noted that Banks’ strong ties to community organizations often bring students to her attention even before they get to GRCC.
Aquinas men’s soccer shuts-out UMD 3-0
Oct. 11, 2015; MLive
Grand Rapids, MI- The Aquinas College men’s soccer team picked up a second straight WHAC shutout with 3-0 home victory against the Wolves of the University of Michigan-Dearborn. With the win, the Saints record improves to 7-3-1 and 2-2-1 in the WHAC.
… Aquinas moved the ball well all game long, and had assists from Jacob Bedi (West Bloomfield/Detroit Catholic), Reamon, and Cam Vela (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Northern). The Saints’ midfield play was notably strong. Captain Rico Padilla (Grand Rapids/Northview), along with Juan Torres (Grand Rapids/Northview) and Matt Lazzar (Grand Rapids/East Kentwood), controlled the pitch all night. On the back end, defender Matt Jackson (Kalamazoo/GRCC) limited open runs to UMD’s forwards, while Ty VanderPoel’s (Holland/Holland) play in net was steady all game, saving all five shots on goal to seal the shutout.
GRCC In the News, 9-21-15
Change Ups: Landscape company purchases new HQ
Sept. 18, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
… EDUCATION
… Grand Rapids Community College announced the recipients of its Excellence in Education Awards: Faculty Award, Nikki Banks, criminal justice associate professor; Adjunct Faculty Award, Lyn Jansen, occupational therapy assistant instructor; and Staff Award, Amy Bennett, exercise science department office manager.
Comstock Park senior duo excel on special teams, in classroom
Sept. 21, 2015; MLive
COMSTOCK PARK — Playing on special teams in high school football may not be the most glamorous job, but any coach will admit that good special teams play is crucial to the success of a football team.
… (Shawn) McGarry plans on attending Grand Rapids Community College for two years, before transferring to a four-year college.
Sept. 20, 2015; The Lanthorn (GVSU student newspaper)
In a room of the Cook-DeWitt Center often reserved for wedding ceremonies, the latest installment in Grand Valley State University’s Arts at Noon series celebrated the acoustic marriage of four instruments.
… Members of the quartet have taught music at Hope College, Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Community College, as well as GVSU.
Congratulations to Excellence in Education winners
Congratulations to this year’s Excellence in Education winners:
- Faculty — Nikki Banks, from the criminal justice department.
- Staff — Amy Bennett, from exercise science.
- Adjunct — Lyn Jansen, from the occupational therapy assistant program.
Occupational Therapy supports the community through several projects annually
GRCC Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) http://www.grcc.edu/occupationaltherapyassistantprogram students were involved in two unique volunteer activities for children with disabilities this semester. Students created sensory motor treatment activities at Wyoming Public Schools for preschool students with developmental delays. Students also volunteered at Fun Fest, which is a day-long event for children with special needs and their families. The event consists of wheelchair accessible games, a sensory room and community resources for treatment.
The Occupational Therapy curriculum includes many service learning activities as a part of the curriculum to provide students with hands-on exposure to clients and treatment provided by Occupational Therapy Assistants. These are annual program activities.
- Home accessibility — Students conducting barrier free assessments and make recommendations for older residents in their apartments at Heron Woods.
- Adapted games — Students plan and lead recreational activities for the young adult students with developmental disabilities at Kent Vocational Options.
- Sensory Motor activities — Students perform treatment activities to promote sensory, fine motor and perceptual skills for preschool children with preprimary impairments at Wyoming Public Schools.
- Baking activity — GRCC OTA and culinary arts students perform a cookie baking and decorating activity with developmentally delayed students at Lincoln School.
- Leisure assessment — Students conduct interviews with residents at Oak Ridge Manor to identify leisure interests.
- Backpack awareness — Students perform backpack assessments making recommendations on backpack weight, positioning and load distribution for GRCC Radiological Technology students.
- Ergonomic assessment — Students perform ergonomic assessments and make recommendations for the GRCC dental assistant students while they are performing procedures on patients.
- Leisure activity for geriatric residents — Students plan and coordinate activities for residents at Brookcrest Manor and Pilgrim Manor.
- Life skills groups — Students facilitate life skills discussion group for clients at Michigan Works First.
- Adapted clothing — Students fabricate adapted clothing for selected disabilities for a class assignment and donate them to the clients at Disability Advocates.