Contact: Maridith Geuder
Campfires, cookouts and computerized communication devices are part of an unusual summer camp being held for the first time next week at Mississippi State.
On Monday [June 5], the university's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability will inaugurate Mississippi's only Alternative Augmentation Communication Camp. Activities, which conclude Friday [June 12], will all take place on the Starkville campus.
Four children ages 5-10 will launch the residential program designed especially for youngsters who must use technology to help them communicate. Accompanied by their parents, each will be paired with a fully able peer.
"We think our campers will benefit from seeing and being around other children who use communication devices," said camp coordinator Janie Cirlot-New. "We believe they'll leave Mississippi State with improved skills."
The campers include Nicholas Brassett of Baton Rouge, La., son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Brassett; Claire Myers of Jackson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Myers; David Phillips of Starkville, son of Martha Phillips; and Stevie Yates of Destrehan, La., son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Yates.
New, speech pathologist and coordinator of the center's work in augmentative and alternative communication, designed the five-day program of activities.
"First and foremost, our goal is to have fun," she said, adding that a second goal is to improve the children's skills in using various computer-based devices that help them communicate.
"Many never have a chance to interact with other children who use alternative communication," New explained. "We want them to become more proficient in using the equipment that helps them 'talk.'"
New said the children will spend much of their time rehearsing, planning, and starring in a center-directed play. Titled "The Mystery of the Lost Playbook," the performance will be presented on their last day on campus. Both ACC campers and their peer-mates will be featured.
Additionally, campers will attend sessions on mime and music and use computers to write news and journal articles. Also planned are a scavenger hunt, movie night and outdoor barbecue.
Established in 1997, the T.K. Martin Center is a clinical, research and training facility that uses the latest developments in assistive technology to improve the functioning capabilities of those with disabilities.
The center is named for the former university vice president who led in making the Starkville campus more accessible to persons with handicaps of all kind. For many years, MSU has enrolled more students with disabilities than any other university or college in Mississippi or most of the Southeast region.