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June 06, 2021
Alpaca Culture (December 2013)
Special Needs Vocational Training
By: Meyla Johnson
Special Needs Vocational Training
Kimberly Buechner Fouse and sister
Julie Bodette Verhelst, through their company,
All Things Alpaca, LLC, provide
employment to individuals with developmental
disabilities who might otherwise
have a difficult time finding a job. All
Things Alpaca, LLC works with clients
of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater
Cincinnati and the Epilepsy Center of
Northwest Ohio in their therapeutic day
programs.
Their signature product, the Alpaca
Fleece-filled Bird Nesting Ball,™ provides
the clients with a vocational activity
that fosters fine motor skill development,
focus and attention, and creativity.
Kimberly notes, “The clients work at a
pace that is appropriate for their abilities.
Staff provide supervision and assistance
to ensure quality. All of our artisans are
paid [per completed ball] as contractors. They are retired
teachers and nurses, single women seeking extra income,
high school students needing a summer job, and adults
with special needs.”
“The ball is interactive – the birds play with the
fiber before flying off to build their nests. It is also a
functional gift, and an exceptional nesting material for
wild birds due to its natural properties.”
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