If you’re visiting Quest’s vocational center on a Tuesday morning, you’re likely to hear a lively discussion about today’s most pressing issues – from the current happenings of the state legislature to the latest issues surrounding the nation’s health care system.

It’s all a part of Miriam Roth’s civics class for adults with disabilities, like Cerebral Palsy or Down syndrome. The course is offered at Quest through a partnership with Orange County Public Schools.

That program also offers courses in computer literacy, living skills, employability, social skills, communication and money management, but it’s the civics class that always seems to be the most striking.

“People are surprised, but you can’t underestimate other people’s abilities,” Miriam said. “They have opinions, and they can back up their answers.”

Empowering Education
What began 14 years ago as an initiative to encourage these adults to vote has evolved into a full-fledged social and political discourse that’s giving disability a voice in our local community.

The 10 students currently enrolled in the class are all registered voters and are required to keep up to date with the news. Miriam believes it’s important for them to be informed so that they can express themselves in effective and appropriate ways.

“They’re part of the process,” she said. “They feel like contributing members of society, and there’s no greater feeling than that.”

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