Students

Don Thomas Donka's students come from every town in DuPage County and eastern Kane. Their ages range from those just completing high school to senior citizens. But they all have one thing in common: a powerful desire to learn and reach their personal goals.

Eligibility Qualifications

Minimum standards for inclusion in Donka’s computer training program include:

  • Average or above average cognitive ability.
  • Reading (vocabulary and comprehension), spelling and math achievement of at least 8th grade.
  • A physical disability which compromises the probability of success within a regular classroom.
  • An interest in learning various computer applications with the goal of improving occupational and/or educational opportunities.
  • Adequate emotional and mental health for participating in a busy classroom setting where success depends on self-discipline and personal initiative.  The atmosphere is similar to that of a working office filled with people talking and moving about.
  • Adequate physical health for participating in 1 ½ hours of sustained classroom instruction.
  • Be at least eighteen years old and a resident of DuPage County or a resident from Kane County with an open ORS fee for service file case.
  • Blind students must have basic keyboard knowledge.

Candidates for admission to Donka may be subjected to any or all of the following assessment events:

  • Personal interview.
  • Referral interviews and examination of appropriate personal records; i.e., school, medical, psychological.
  • Formal testing; both subjective (writing samples, reading demonstration, and typing demonstrations) and standardized (Slossen, VMI, John’s Oral Reading Inventory, WRAT, and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test).
  • A determination, through applied class work activities, of special computer input needs.
  • Up to three weeks of demonstration training as needed for difficult to assess conditions; i.e. long term memory, concept integration, study skills.
  • Staffing conference.

* Donka will provide a written report if requested. In addition to test and interview results, we would include a summary of special equipment requirements (hardware, software and/or positioning apparatus) as well as an expected level of computer mastery and possible employment areas. We will also provide assessment for other clients. They need not be eligible for Donka. There is a charge for this service.

Would you like to become a student or know someone who might want to become a student at Donka, Inc.,? If so, please send us an e-mail with your contact information.

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