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Apr. 26--The Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga has been selected as the recipient of a national award and $15,000 grant for an area program aimed at helping children with disabilities.
"We really wanted to provide an opportunity for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to use the resources of the museum," said Henry Shulson, executive director of the museum.
The 2005 Universal Design for Learning Award, presented by the Association of Children's Museums and Very Special Arts, two international groups, will support Club Discovery, an initiative of the museum that began in 2000 as an after-school program.
Chattanooga resident Caroline Rogers said the museum program has had a positive effect on the development of Jason, her 13-year-old son. Next year Jason, who has Down syndrome, will be able to participate in the program as a volunteer, she said.
"It has given him the opportunity to be part of a social group," she said. "It's helped his natural maturation and sense of independence and self-confidence."
Children with and without disabilities participate in weekly sessions for 24 weeks and learn through various activities, field trips and presentations. Each session is focused on a theme, such as learning about places around the world or creatures that live in water or land, the program's coordinator said.
"They feel real special because it is their own club," said Barbara McKerley, special program coordinator for the museum. "This is the sixth year, and each year it grows."
Lisa Cole, a local resident, said Club Discovery has helped her 16-year-old son deal with his learning disabilities.
"He is more independent," she said. "He has gone from me taking care of him to him having more responsibilities."
E-mail Karina Gonzalez at kgonzalez@timesfreepress.com
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