Achievement Center of Texas hosted its Special Arts Day Saturday, March 2, at Garland’s Spring Creek Church, and it was indeed special. The center is a licensed Individualized Skills and Socialization Provider for ages 13 and older, as well as adults with special needs.
Heather Bryant of ACT did a great job planning the event. There were numerous arts tables where attendees could create art to take home with them, and everyone enjoyed the onstage entertainment. A face painter created designs on the kids’ faces, they got to make balloon animals and decorate flowerpots in which they planted seeds and so much more. Members of Altrusa International of Garland provided a large variety of books from which the attendees could choose one to take home.
ACT was forced to close for a while because of the COVID pandemic, but they are in a new location, and they are busy building back the enrollment numbers.
The students’ activities now include more time away from the center, and they can choose from two separate outings each day. Or, if they wish, they can go on both or stay at the center. They dine out, go shopping, see movies, visit the zoo, go on volunteer missions and much more. ACT students also work on learning the appropriate ways to interact with others on these outings.
The things they learn at the center are invaluable. They are taught life skills like writing, money skills, how to communicate their feelings appropriately, how to cook and bake, how to do laundry, how to make their bed, just to name a few skills. The students also have an opportunity to increase their self-confidence through activities like karaoke, arts exploration and the above-mentioned life skills instruction.
At ACT “We remind our students every day of what they are capable, not what they are not.”
ACT is located at 302 North Barnes Drive in Garland. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more about the center by visiting www.achievementcenteroftexas.org.
Achievement Center of Texas needs volunteers who wish to help adolescents and adults with intellectual and physical special needs. There is a variety of ways you can help. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Providing computer training.
- Reading to students
- Helping students read to themselves
- Helping students complete math problems
- Assisting students in learning functional living skills
- Office assistance
- Fundraising events
- and much more!
“By volunteering, you can help make a difference in the lives of people with special needs.” Visit https://achievementcenteroftexas.org/volunteer/ for more information.