Index

"It is an honor to serve the Institute and oversee the progress generated by a small group of hard working individuals. It is rewarding to reflect on the many individuals who pioneered a dark and stormy trail into the bright light that shines today throughout LaPorte County. We thank those individuals, past and present, for their personal enrollments and support."

The SOCIAL AND LEARNING INSTITUTE is a day learning program for the
sub-trainable and trainable, developmentally disabled or disadvantaged
person. We provide a program that includes learning activities in self-help, motor skills, language/speech development therapy, daily living and survival skills, opportunities for personality development and conductive social development.

A 2000 study in Qualitative Health Research reported that adolescents with disabilities often describe themselves as lonely and are often more concerned with their lack of social acceptance than they are with their disabilities. Thousands of children and young adults in our schools are marginalized because of their mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Their peers often feel embarrassed and insecure around them--thus increasing the sense of loneliness and disempowerment.

Established in 1976 as a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, non-discriminatory organization, The Social and Learning Institute offers a unique educational experience for the mentally challenged young adult 18 years of age and over. Its formation began with a small group of parents and volunteers meeting in a garage, to a current staff of 4, 23 students, 6 part-time volunteers and strong community support.