45 Special Needs Training for Very Special High School Students in Martin County Eleven years ago, HOT began supplementing a job-training program (“the Dollar-a-Day Program”) in Martin County, Florida where 27 developmentally disabled high school seniors interned at local businesses. HOT’s grant paid the students nominal wages based on their performance and diligence. 75 children are now learning about “real life.” The children open savings accounts through the program and save a portion of the money they earn towards a year- end school trip. Some of these children will be able to use the lessons they learn about life to help them develop independent living skills they will need when their parents are no longer there to help them. Over the last 2 years, in addition to the Dollar-a-Day program, we funded the purchase of 10 iPads that were not in the School District’s budget that are being used to teach skills and independence. The Thank You note from the teacher brought tears to our eyes. Additionally, this year we took over the funding of a yoga program that the teachers believe has helped get some of these children out of their shells. We would like to add additional classes to the Dollar-a-Day. An average class has 15 students and therefore $2,700 (15 students x 180 days x $1 a school day) would permit us to offer to add another class. Best Buddies in Martin County The Best Buddies program matches students with developmental disabilities with students on a regular academic track. They become Buddies in high school and spend time together socially, with after- school projects or just having fun, including: float building for Homecoming, movie nights, lunches, pool parties and picnics. HOT would like to continue sponsoring the chapter in Martin County, Florida that this year has 30 Buddy pairs (60 members). We would like our donors to designate $2,400 to fund additional group activities.