I looked up from my book and saw a group of young people with down syndrome moving tables around the coffee shop. They pulled 3-4 tables together, went to get something to eat and drink, and sat down. I was intrigued. Did they all know each other? Why did they all have the same book bags?
It didn't take very long before I starter hearing reading and discussion coming from the tables. I could not do anything except listen.
-can you read this page?
-I will help you with the difficult words.
-get your journals ready
-where is you pen or pencil?
-you need to write this down in your journal.
-what do you think about this?
-can you give us your opinion?
By now I am really wondering what is going on. I decided to be brave and start a conversation with the lady next to me (as she appeared to be the mother of one of the young people in the group). She was kind enough to explain to me what was happening.
The Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) offers weekly opportunities for people with developmental disabilities (DD) to read and learn together, talk about books, and make friends in a relaxed, community setting.
She explained that further what this book club is and what it offers to the young adults.
A program of The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, NCBC was established in June 2002 to provide adolescents and adults with DD – regardless of reading ability – the chance to be members of a book club. NCBC has become the preeminent program of its kind. Today there are NCBC programs in over 100 cities across North America and Europe.
I was even more intrigued. Thanks to wireless Internet it did not take me very long to find a website that explained the program and its history to me. Read here to find more information about this book club.
I also had a chance to talk with the leader of the bookclub afterwards. She explained that these clubs are community based, and they meet in community settings like this coffee shop. She further explained how they read "real" books, books that have more mature topics.
This bookclub must be doing something right as the developmentally disabled young adults sat around the table for an hour or more reading, discussing and writing about their current book. I was blessed by just watching them.
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| Next Chapter Book Club |
What a great program! How lucky you were to be there to witness this.
ReplyDeleteElsie, I am sitting at the coffee shop again today for a meeting, and I just saw that they are starting their club again! So much fun!
DeleteI like how your curiosity led you to learn about this special book club. Most people would have just glanced and ignored.
ReplyDeleteTerje, you must be back in the city!! I was able to watch them for a few minutes today as well!
DeleteThat is SO very wonderful. Long, long ago, I worked at a state institution where many DS kids and adults lived all of their lives. We have made some good progress respecting the potential of all people as we move into the 21st Century.
ReplyDeleteAnita, you are right! We have come a long way. I love how this book club focuses on young adults and their interests.
DeleteJaana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about this program. It's very special that the readers are able to get together and connect through literature!
Amy, I was really impressed by their focus on real literature not just easy readers. Works well together with common core, doesn't it.
DeleteThanks for your special story about these wonderful people. We picked up several DD adults and took them to church with us. Such sweet individuals - they just soaked up the music and words and attention. This program is truly a benefit to these individuals and you got the experience of seeing it in action.
ReplyDeleteJudy, we have several developmentally disabled adults that attend our church! There is always room in God's house!
DeleteHow amazing! Here is such a powerful example of how we can affect positive change in our worlds by seeing a need and acting. Thanks for the links, too, Jaana.
ReplyDeleteTara, today the group was reading Robinson Crusoe. Real literature made accessible for everyone!
DeleteWhat an awesome group and program! Thank you for sharing their story about the power of stories and reading communities. Isn't this the kind of support and learning we want to see our students take part in, too?
ReplyDeleteKay, you are so right! Books have power and a voice for everyone!
DeleteWhat an beautiful experience. I went on the website and requested information about starting one of those here in my hometown. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann, isn't this what community is all about? My local chapter is lead by a mother who has a young adult with down syndrome. Keep me posted how things go!
DeleteWOW, what an amazing experience! (Hooray for Ohio State!!!) How great that you got to witness this special program in action and then find out more about it! :-)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, it really was a blessing to observe these young people engage in literature.
DeleteThanks for sharing with us. What a great community program! A blessing for you to get to see it in action.
ReplyDeleteIt truly was a blessing!
DeleteThanks for being brave enough to explore this further and share with us. It is wonderful to know these kids are not forgotten but offered opportunities that interest them. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peg.
DeleteThanks for being brave enough to explore this further and share with us. It is wonderful to know these kids are not forgotten but offered opportunities that interest them. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to witness and I echo thanks for exploring and sharing with us.
ReplyDelete