Coatesville, PA — Debra Phillips, a special education teacher at the Child and Career Development Center, is the 2009 recipient of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Annie Sullivan Award.
Named for Helen Keller’s teacher, the Annie Sullivan Award is presented annually to an intermediate unit teacher who goes beyond his or her job duties to gain greater acceptance for children with disabilities in their communities. Phillips was presented the award at the CCIU Employee Recognition Banquet on Wednesday, May 27.
Phillips is credited for expanding the work experience program at Child and Career Development Center to include a greater number of learning and emotional support students.
Much like the namesake of the award, Phillips does not allow her students to use their disabilities as a reason not to reach their full potential; and, even winning this award is another way to reach out to her students. “I hope to inspire the students to go after what they want and not allow anything to stop them,” said Phillips.
According to Dr. Susan Mateka, principal of the CDC, Phillips is positive, motivated, and truly cares about the students.
(More)
“Ms. Phillips has such a “can do” attitude,” said Mateka. “I have never heard her say that there’s something that couldn’t be done. And, as a result, we have had very positive feedback from all those involved with the program including the students, families of the students, and employers,” said Mateka.
Phillips labored to get the news about the expanded work experience program out to the community prior to its start. Her faith in the students has spread to many of the local business owners who now partner with Phillips to provide work experiences for students with disabilities. Students participate in job shadowing, volunteer work, and paid part-time employment. As a result, students gain real work experience and at the same time the employers learn of the many contributions students with disabilities can make to their business and to the community at large.
According to Phillips, securing employment for her students is only one aspect of the process.
“We are there for the students from start to the finish,” said Phillips. “We help prepare them for the interview process, assist with travel training, help students get their driver’s permit, or arrange transportation.”
As a result of participation in the program, students are able to more easily transition into the adult world, said Phillips: “They learn functional life skills and at the same time are taught self-sufficiency. We give them independence to get out there and work, but we are also there to support them if they hit a speed bump along the way.”
