Compensatory Education is defined as “those educational opportunities that will enable the special challenged adult to function in society at a level which will allow him/her to reach his/her fullest potential within the limits of the program.” Educational programming will include the following skills areas: basic academic skills, high school academic skills, vocational academic skills, life skills, and social skills. These educational opportunities would enable the mentally disabled adult to become more independent and self-directing, to benefit from occupational training, and to acquire skills to meet and manage community, social, work, and personal adult responsibilities.
The project originated in 1980 and was funded by the Department of Community Colleges using federal Adult Basic Education special project funds. It was instituted as a result of the 1978 Civil Action No. 3050 in which the North Carolina Association for the Retarded Citizens and the State of North Carolina agreed that mentally retarded adults should receive a free and appropriate education suited to their individual needs and capabilities.
Edgecombe Community College works cooperatively with Tri-County Industries in Rocky Mount and other approved facilities for operation of the program.