Skip to main content


Repost Message will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

Radio Program Highlights MCC's Partnership with Mary Cariola Center

Eileen Radigan, Ph.D., chair and assistant professor in the Department of Education and Human Services, discussed MCC's partnership with the Mary Cariola Center on NewsRadio WHAM 1180's Ask The Experts program that aired Oct. 10. The program is also available on the station's website as a podcast.

The center recently received a grant from the state Department of Labor to provide MCC courses to the Mary Cariola staff.

  • On what MCC's partnership entails:

Through a collaboration among Dr. Radigan, MCC's Economic and Workforce Development Center and the Mary Cariola Center, credit-bearing courses are created and tailored to support the development of teaching assistants at Mary Cariola Center. Upon course completion, participants earn state certification.

Courses focus on how disabilities impact people across their life span and how to support communication and positive behavior when working with people with disabilities. An introduction to special education course is included.

The plan is to offer the short-term courses remotely/online beginning in January on a schedule that is convenient for the Mary Cariola staff.

  • On how MCC's partnership benefits MCC students:

In terms of field placements, the supervisors at Mary Cariola Center have provided MCC students with guidance and feedback to help students reach their learning outcomes and develop as professionals. The center has also hired some of our graduates.

Mary Cariola staff have also served as guest speakers in several of the courses. MCC students love to hear from professionals in the field and see the types of devices and technology they use.

  • On how MCC's partnership impacts the local community:

Mary Cariola Center provides in-class expertise and experiential opportunities to MCC students. It also needs committed educational institutions like MCC to help educate its workforce and produce graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field.

When considering the importance of inclusion in our community, MCC and the center are committed to advancing the support that people with disabilities receive. The shared goal is that people with disabilities are fully supported in participating in meaningful educational activities, achieving their goals, and eventually living as independently as possible while engaging in gainful employment opportunities in their areas of interest.

    Hency Yuen-Eng
    Government and Community Relations
    10/12/2020