URS’ Summer Learning Program

DAYTON, Ohio WDTN – United Rehabilitation Services, or URS, has a summer program to help people with disabilities, age 18 to 22, gain work experience. Directors say the program, in its second year, not only helps the young people learn new skills, but also maintain ones learned during the year.

Monday, the lesson involved painting a basketball court at Melvin Miller Park in Urbana. “It looked pretty rundown,” said Ellen Petty as she painted white stripes on the basketball court. “It was pretty hard to paint.” Chris Stokes, superintendent of the parks department in Urbana, said the students were a huge help to city workers. “We always have little things to do, but based on help and lack of manpower we don’t always have time to do it,” said Stokes. “We’re also getting things ready for a festival July 13.”

Philip Warwick said it didn’t even feel like work at all, “Because I like it outside, and I like when I’m doing work and can listen to the animals.”

A URS coach provides on-site supervision and support. There are currently six job sites with training opportunities in food services, janitorial work, car detailing and landscaping. “I know this group last week was at the cemetary and they learned how to use weed eaters and hedge trimmers,” said Anne Route, employment supervisor at URS. “So, that was definitely a new experience.”

“We’re trying to work with these young folks and have them help us, and we in turn help them get ready to go out in the workforce and get employment,” said Stokes. “If we can be of any help, that’s always gratifying.” The program is six weeks long and involves 35 students from Clark, Champaign, Madison and Miami Counties.