COVINGTON, Ky. — All Emily Harper wanted was the opportunity to do more.
She is.
The Transition Instructor at The Point/Arc’s Zembrodt Education Center – along with Education Department Administrator Gina Brockman – are hosting the first Disability Resource Fair.
The free event is set for Thursday, November 12th, 5pm-7pm at the ZEC, 104 West Pike Street, Covington.
“I was an Autism Teacher at Florence (Ky.) Elementary School and at Camp Ernst,” Harper said. “I wanted to do more than that.
“Gina (Brockman) formed a Caregiver Support Group several years ago,” said Harper, who was an Education major at the University of Louisville. “I recently joined her. We are hoping to reach out to more families through this.”
The Disability Resource Fair is designed for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families. “The Fair is open to the entire community,” said Harper, a Connor High School alum. “We have at least 15 organizations planning to attend.”
Harper says the Fair plans to cover just about every need for families and caregivers serving those with disabilities.
“We hope to address every need,” she said. “Therapists, lawyers and instructors are planning to attend the program.”
The Disability Resource Fair is a perfect transition for Emily Harper. She is an instructor and teaches Introduction ti Careers at The Point/Arc’s Zembrodt Education Center.
In addition, she was the first to teach Life Skills in the Elevate Curriculum Plan during the 2025-2026 school year at The ZEC.
Some of the life skills in the curriculum:
• Health, Safety and Emergencies: Emergency Procedures, First Aid and Hygiene
• Household Chores: Cleaning Supplies and Laundry basics
• Kitchen and Culinary: Kitchen Safety, Grocery Shopping
• Dining Out: Ordering, Etiquette and Paying the bill
• Leisure and Social: Social Gathering, Leisure Activities, Appropriate Attire
• Community Engagement: Housing Options, Appointments
Students receive innovative, interactive instruction to build their skills necessary to succeed in work and life in the program. Lessons include following directions, demonstrating enthusiasm, self-confidence, problem solving, initiative, accountability, and more, according to Harper.
“Our students are referred by their high school teachers,” says Harper, who is certified in Moderate to Severe Disability, as well as Education. “The students are identified needing additional support.”
She says the difference between teaching in a public elementary school and working at The Point/Arc’s ZEC is simple.
“We are certainly more creative here at The ZEC because of our smaller class size. We can cater to the individual needs of our students with additional resources,” she said.
The Zembrodt Education Center (ZEC) is an extension of The Point/Arc. ZEC was created to increase growth and support for individuals and families in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region. Founded in 1972, The Point/Arc provides opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to reach their highest potential educationally, residentially, socially and vocationally.
“ZEC is a community in which all people are celebrated,” Harper said. “We foster creativity and connection, learning and growth, and a spirit of belonging.”
And for Emily Harper – a place to do more.
THE DISABILITY RESOURCE FAIR AT THE ZEMBRODT EDUCATION CENTER
WHO: The Zembrodt Education Center
WHAT: Disability Resource Fair
WHEN: Thursday, November 12th (5-7pm) Free
WHERE: Zembrodt Education Center, 104 West Pike Street, Covington
The Point/Arc
