On March 17, My Possibilities (MP), the Plano-based organization offering vocational education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, temporarily closed its doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the morning of June 1, the nonprofit organization began its first phase of reopening and welcoming back its students, known as Hugely Important People, or HIPsters.
Throughout the closure, staff at MP constantly worked on a reopening plan. HIPster families were surveyed to help understand individual needs as well as a consensus on desired timeline for a safe return to campus. On top of this, staff also created a health and safety plan to guide the reopening.
“After two and a half long months, we are thrilled to see our HIPsters again,” said Executive Director Michael Thomas. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure staff and HIPster health and safety remain at the forefront of our day-to-day as we phase reopening.”
Phase one of reopening includes adherence to Centers for Disease Control recommendations for social distancing, cleaning and protective equipment protocol. Only 25% of the total number of students will be on campus during phase one.
HIPsters who are 55 years old or older as well as staff members who are 65 years or older are not encouraged to return during this first phase, as well as anyone with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems or anyone who may live with family members or caregivers considered high risk.
Every day, rooms inside the campus for higher learning will undergo thorough cleaning before programming begins as well as throughout the day. No classroom will exceed 10 people at a time, handwashing will take place throughout the day, hand sanitizer will be readily available, staff and HIPsters will wear face masks and proper protocol will take place if someone tests positive for COVID-19. Read the complete health and safety plan online.
