WorkAbility I
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• Program
Overview
• Why WorkAbility I Works
• Web Resources for People with Disabilities
• Middle School WorkAbility Overview
and Menu of Services
• High School WorkAbility Overview
and Menu of Services
Program
Overview
The WorkAbility I program originated in 1980 as a pilot program operated by the Riverside and San Bernadino County Offices of Education. National surveys indicated that fewer than 40% of students with IEP's were gainfully employed after leaving high school. WorkAbility I students in California have an employment rate that averages 80%, or twice the national average. The intent of WorkAbility I was to develop innovative approaches to guarantee that students with IEP's had access to information, career development classes, work experience and vocational support.
The Sutter County Superintendent of Schools Office was one of the original WorkAbility I programs created by the California State Department of Education in l981. The program focuses on ensuring that all students with IEPs have access to career information, career assessment, awareness of classes that support a student's career field and possible paid work experience. Special Education instructors are a critical link in successfully delivering WorkAbility I services to students. The more informed the special education staff is regarding WorkAbility I services, the greater the potential for coordination of services to students.
The Middle School program evolved out of the highly successful and nationally acclaimed WorkAbility I High School program. Research showed that the earlier students with disabilities began thinking about their interests, strengths, career options and the resources in their schools; the greater the chances that they would maximize use of resources, leave school with a greater level of career preparation and likelihood of employment in a job they enjoyed and paid a higher wage.
The Sutter County Schools WorkAbility I program is currently funded to serve 100 middle school students each year. Over the seven years of the programs existence, over 130 students have been served each year. The need currently exceeds the resources, but if the history of WorkAbility I continues, growth funding will be available once we make it thru the current budget challenges facing California.
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Why
WorkAbility I Works
-Program services are designed to meet the individual student needs, abilities, and interests and prepare them for the transition to employment in adult life.
-Workability I provides participating secondary students with an understanding of job seeking and job retention skills.
-Two year follow-up support services provided by the program staff greatly increases the potential for student success.
-Collaborations among the Workability I staff, post secondary education/training, employers, or an adult service provider agency increases the likelihood the student's success as contributing adult in the community. |
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Web Resources for People with Disabilities
Please visit our Disability Program Navigator page.
The DPN site has been created to assist those with disabilities and those that employ, work, or live with individuals with disabilities. We've broken the content down by whom it serves to make it simpler to find the information that your need.
California Department of Rehabilitation
http://www.dor.ca.gov/
The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.
California State Personnel Board (SPB)
http://www.spb.ca.gov/
The SPB offers civil service jobs and services information.
California Fair Employment and Housing Agency
http://www.dfeh.ca.gov/
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, and from the perpetration of acts of hate violence.
Research and Training Center on Independent Living
http://www.ilsnc.org/
The Research and Training Center on Independent Living’s mission is to enhance Independent Living (IL) for all by working with consumers, providing quality research, and widely disseminating effective and relevant products.
Job Accommodations Network (JAN)
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/
JAN is a free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by providing individualized worksite accommodations solutions, providing technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and educating callers about self-employment options.
AT (Assistive Technology) Network
http://www.atnet.org/
The AT Network provides resources and information for tools to assist people with disabilities.
Department of Justice
http://caag.state.ca.us/
Provides access to Americans with Disabilities (ADA) information services.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
http://www.eeoc.gov/
The EEOC offers support and information regarding equal employment to insure that no one is discriminated against. |
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