Localized special education programming for Nokomis, Pana, and Taylorville Schools is coming this year. The NPT Special Education Cooperative began their mission in 2020 to provide area students with specialized forms of in-school care such as psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and real-life social exercises.

The FACES Program as described by Executive Director of the NPT Special Education Cooperative, Kelly Suey, comes to Nokomis, Pana, and Taylorville after the districts left behind the Mid-State Special Education program last year.
Suey says that the change was needed to bring focus and quality care to students who just need a little extra attention.

Suey Describes the two classes within the FACES Program. RISE stands for Reaching Independence Through Support and Education. And REACH, Recognizing Extraordinary Abilities in Children. Testing, assessments, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) dictate the path a student can follow.

With the incoming of the FACES Program and growth in the students with disabilities community, NPT has formed the Special Olympics Team "Dynamite" for all area people with disabilities ages two to adult. Saturday, September, 21st will be the first event for the group at Lake Land College in Mattoon.

To learn more about the Special Olympics opportunities call 217-562-9346.

Kelly Suey appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.