Gompers Habilitation Center helps members of Valley community with developmental disabilities

PHOENIX - Gompers Habilitation Center has been helping members of the Valley community with developmental disabilities the last 65 years.

However, according to Executive Director Mark Jacoby, "Sometimes we don't do the best job of getting our story out there. Telling the amazing things that our folks do."

One such person is a young man named Mattie Matlock.

He's been attending Gompers for about six years, and as he puts it, "To this day I still enjoy working here."

Using the latest computer technology, Mattie is a teacher who works alongside able bodied teachers, helping others learn math, reading and language arts among other things.

David Matlock, Mattie's father said "People shouldn't be amazed that he can speak, and he does have the thought process he has." He also wishes that people would change their point of view and adds, "Don't judge a book by it's cover."

By providing private day care, day training for adults, and vocational/education programs, Gompers helps people to be acknowledged by their abilities, not their disabilities.

You can find more information by going to their website .