Crossing Points prepares students for jobs

The door to the Crossing Points room is tall and painted a crisp white. Outside the big door, visitors can hear muffled sounds of the students in the classroom interacting with one another. It is like any other classroom at the University, but its purpose is different.

Crossing Points is program for special needs students collaborated by the Tuscaloosa County school district, the Tuscaloosa City school district and the University, said Donna Niblett, a certified vocational needs instructor at Crossing Points.

The goal of Crossing Points is to take special needs adults, 18 to 21 years old, and teach them the skills they will need for a job and how to live as independently as they possibly can, Niblett said.

"The program started six years ago," Niblett said. "We have 20 students this year. There are 10 from Tuscaloosa County and 10 from Tuscaloosa City."

The program only allows for 20 students to participate at a time, but their goal is to have more, Niblett said.

There are only a few other colleges in the nation that offer a program like Crossing Points. The federal and state governments give money to special needs programs, but most places keep their students in high school until they are 21, Niblett said.

"We wanted to bring students to the University of Alabama so they will be around peers their own age," Niblett said.

The qualification for a spot at Crossing Points includes recommendations from high school special education teachers, applications and interviews, Niblett said.

Once a student is admitted into the program, they are taught job skills and independent living skills.

"I've only been with the program for two years, but my favorite thing about working here is when one of our students becomes officially employed, whether it is at the University or elsewhere," Niblett said. "We know that we've accomplished our goal."

A typical day at Crossing Points starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m.

"We have job training Monday through Thursday from 9 [a.m.] until noon," Niblett said. "Job training is on campus at various departments and even at places like the UPS store, Firehouse Subs and DCH. In the afternoon, we have lunch and instruction time."

What is unique about Crossing Points is the job a student is assigned to is suited to their interests and skills, Niblett said.

"We had one student who loved recreation, but since the Student Recreation Center wasn't hiring at the time, that student got a job at the local YMCA," Niblett said.

Fridays are regarded as Fun Fridays when the students participate in a variety of activities, Niblett said.

Dooley McCutchen, a Parks and Recreational Association professional for Tuscaloosa City schools, comes every Friday and does art with the students.

"These kids make my day," McCutchen said. "We have art lessons in the mornings and I stay and participate in whatever activity is going on that day. It's a great group of kids, and I wouldn't swap my Fridays for anything else."

Jarvis Wesley, a third-year student in the program, said his favorite thing about his day at Crossing Points is when he gets to do art with McCutchen.

"I like Fun Fridays because we do art," Wesley said. "But my favorite thing about Crossing Points is working at Lakeside Dining."

In the near future, Wesley said he is looking forward to turning 21.

"I'm going to go to a casino," Wesley said.

Kwasi Agyei-Aye, a first-year student, said he dreams of working at a radio station one day.

"I would like to work in radio one day," Agyei-Aye said. "But I also want to help out in the community any way I can."

During the day, Agyei-Aye works in media and technology, but he said his favorite part of the day is being with his friends.

"I like the end of the day when I get to be with my friends," Agyei-Aye said.

This semester, there are two big events coming up, Niblett said.

"We have our Spring Fling coming up in April," Niblett said. "It's being sponsored by Kappa Delta. Then in May, we'll have our Graduation Gala where 11 of our students will graduate."

In the 32 years Niblett has spent working with special needs children, she said Crossing Points has let her see the fruits of her labor.

"When I first started, I worked in an institution," Niblett said. "But after teaching in public schools and moving to the University, I see these students out in the community and it is such a feeling of happiness."

Over the years, Crossing Points has grown in awareness throughout the community and more and more people understand what the program is, Niblett said. There are more training sites and more options of employment available, she said.

"We receive direction from the special education department here," Niblett said. "And Dr. Witt's support is so great."

Niblett said Crossing Points loves being on campus and appreciates all of the volunteers. She also said students can contact them if they would like to be involved in their Best Buddies program, where students are paired up one-on-one with a student at Crossing Points.

"We love being on campus and having the support of everyone," Niblett said. "If anyone wants to volunteer, just contact us and we would love to have you."