Student Success Stories

Curtis is an aspiring meteorologist and he attends Waubonsee Community College. He was born with birth anomalies, with a diagnosis of Femoral Hypoplasia-Unusual Facies Syndrome. The only part of his body that is unaffected is his brain. He has limited mobility and travels around by an electric power wheelchair. Curtis additionally suffers vision and hearing problems. He is blind in his left eye and has a coloboma in his right eye. He also has hearing loss. He came to DONKA to learn computer skills for college. He was particularly interested in Microsoft programs because having knowledge of these programs would help him in a daily job as a meteorologist. There was one staff member who made a huge impression in Curtis’ life. Rick was a one-on-one instructor who guided him through books of material and assisted in helping Curtis create a resume, search for jobs, and did interview roleplay.

“It will also open new opportunities for me that I thought were never possible. I’m thankful for everything Donka does, and I hope to become a donor one day.”

Ritu came to DONKA to learn about computers because she feels nowadays it is essential to have these skills in your back pocket. While there she learned Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access. Through this process, Ritu has learned to be confident in her abilities regardless of her learning disability. She also gained newfound advanced skills in Word and Excel from the hardworking instructors who dedicated one-on-one time.

“Now the computer is less frightening.”

Terry came to DONKA because his position in the Knights council 8002 required him to have certain computer skills. He also is diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and has some hyperactive tendencies. While at DONKA, Terry enjoyed the close teacher attention he received at a pace where he felt most comfortable. Over time, he felt that the teachers weren’t giving him special attention as much, but he realized other students needed the help, so he embarked on individualized projects. These self-managed tasks helped Terry to accomplish more than he thought possible. He is very appreciative of the dedicated staff and while attending classes he witnessed how students were met in a professional and timely manner. He finished the program with newfound knowledge on basic computer training and he can operate efficiently in his position on the Knights council 8002. Terry plans on visiting often and volunteering at the County Home because he is readily available to give back to help other students.

“I am better equipped to perform the tasks at hand…I feel better able to navigate life’s daily expectations with this new learning experience.”