State gets failing grade

Dear editor:

What this article (July 14) fails to identify is that the preponderance of students come from areas where there are no vocational training centers within a reasonable distance from their homes.

ACTI provided these students with not only a residential facility that provided housing, but medical, dental and vision care. Some of these students were provided the very first true three-course meals that did not come in a microwavable container. They were provided with counseling services to help them deal with their particular disabilities. For the first time in their lives, these students were not outside the norm. They were surrounded by peers who were considered “different” in their home community. For once in their lives, they were part of groups that could get together, laugh and enjoy the same things. They were, for once in their lives, “normal;” they were popular. They were part of a community that did not look down on them. For once in their lives, they were “cool.”

They were not sequestered, they were free to come and go into the community. However, the community failed them. It was outside of the school where once again they were considered, “different.”

Were there students who were sent back because of behavior issues? Yes! But only after many, many, many opportunities were provided to correct behavior problems. Only those whose behavior was found to be a threat to others were sent back.

This article is a disservice to all those who were charged with the care and education of these students. It is also a disservice to all those students who are now going to be deprived of an opportunity to seek vocational training.

I wonder how the state plans on busing those students to and from any available vocational training centers in the state. Where they are going to be able to provide an opportunity for these students to receive an opportunity to acquire social skills where they are accepted?

The state of Arkansas and the administration of ACTI have failed those with disabilities with the closing of ACTI. Instead of closing, they should have provided better state leadership, more programs.

Some of these students competed in national and international programs like HOSA, SKILLS USA. They won awards competing against other students from more “conventional” institutions and schools. One of my students placed second in HOSA international competition. Something this article demeans.

I am interested in knowing how the state is going to provide programs like culinary arts, auto collision repair, pharmacy tech, to those areas of the state that are not close to vocational training centers.

Congratulations Arkansas, once again you have proven that the needs of the few are inconsequential to the needs of the political. Darrell Dunn Hot Springs