Judy Gibson Duncan loves her job–“Everything we do at the T.K. Martin Center makes someone’s life better.”

“The purpose of every service is to make individuals, both children and adults, more functional in their lives and assist them in gaining more independence,” Duncan said. “There is nothing more rewarding than to serve those in need and see them gain independence.”

Duncan will return to her home church and will share her passion for her work at the upcoming JOY Club potluck luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at First Baptist Church of Eupora’s fellowship hall. Bring a dish and learn more about Duncan’s work as a case manager for Assistive Technology and “tracker” for the EXPRESS Yourself art program at the T.K. Martin Center on the Mississippi State University campus.

Duncan says the T.K. Martin Center provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assistive technology evaluations to remove limitations, allowing individuals to participate in educational, vocational and leisure activities to the fullest degree they choose. Some examples of assistive technology are wheelchairs, adaptive driving, vehicle modifications, computer access, and augmentative communication.

In addition to assistive technology evaluations, other services provided:
• Early Intervention services, including Project IMPACT, a preschool for children (birth-5) with disabilities.
• Express Yourself Art, an art program for individuals with severe physical limitations.
• Camp Jabber Jaw, a week-long summer camp for school-aged children who use communication devices.
Duncan LOVES working with students in the EXPRESS Yourself Art Porgram, including Monica Herard of Eupora.

“Although the artists are very limited due to their physical restrictions, Express Yourself Art allows them to be in total control,” Duncan said. “They are able to be creative in a way they have never experienced. They are able to independently create whatever they choose.”
Artists are also able to sell their paintings and other merchandise so they are able to create income for themselves.
For more information about the work of the T.K. Martin Center at Mississippi State University, go to www.eyart.org or www.tkmartin.msstate.edu.

See a portion of this story in the 1-26-17 edition of The FBC Eupora Newsletter at br-newsletter-1-26-17