The Selma times-journal

Carolyne Bates said that what began as a desire to educate her learning disabled child, eventually caused her to develop a community education and training center.

Bates is the founder of the Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program &045; an organization that operates several programs that address the needs of people with disabilities.

One such program, the Supported Employment Training Transition (SETT), provides students with job training skills.

Students, she said, are generally referred to the program by schools and other agencies.

Bates said that some of the job training includes teaching students how to use computers, perform clerical duties, and complete landscaping projects. Next year, she said they will add sewing, cosmetology and general contracting to the program’s offerings.

Fred Harris, a 10th grade student participating in the program, said that the program keeps him out of trouble.

Other students have similar things to say.

Bates said that this year, she is collaborating with Selma CareerLink who will give the students workshops on resume writing and job skills.

Bates said that although there is no charge for students to participate in the program, &8220;the parents give monthly donations to keep the program open for their children.&8221;

For more information about the SETT program and other services provided by the Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program, please contact Bates at (334) 875-6001.