School to Work Works!

It’s hard enough to be a teenager. Imagine being a teenager on the Autism Spectrum, relying upon teachers and advocates to help facilitate communication. Imagine graduating from the nurturing and supportive educational program you have enjoyed, only to face a terrifying prospect:  the expectations of the outside “World of Work.”

An individual referred to Ulster-Greene ARC’s School to Work program successfully transitioned from high school to “adulthood” and she has experienced much growth and increased self esteem as she was hired for her dream job.  She tried different jobs in the community but was an extremely shy and uncomfortable teen at all the sites.  She was then given an internship in an assisted living facility which she loves.  After a few months she was hired as an employee and this work has built her confidence and improved her job skills.    
At Ulster-Greene ARC, students are not expected to manage the transition on their own.  School-to-Work (STW) is a unique “bridge” for young adults with developmental disabilities transitioning from high school to employment. Their dreams and life goals are like anyone else’s – to be a contributing part of their community. With the right supports, they can learn the skills to be as independent as possible as adults.

STW provides vocational and social skills assessments, career exploration and job training, and acquisition of daily living skills – including socialization, personal and community responsibility, and how to appropriately handle the tough problems that arise in life and work. Work skills may include anything from running a cash register to car detailing. Living skills may include cooking, banking, and use of public transportation. Students are trained in interviewing skills and resume writing and rotate through a variety of work environments to gain “real-life” preparation for the major transition from a sheltered special education high school environment to adulthood and its responsibilities.

School to Work spans the entire year, providing both academics and rotations for career exploration at area businesses