Transitioning Program for Students with Disabilities
The Transitioning Program for Students with Disabilities is a partnership between Harford County Public Schools and area businesses to provide community-based vocational experience for students with individual needs between the ages of 16 and 21. This program is based on the belief that students with disabilities should be involved in learning experiences which prepare them for competitive or supported employment placements after graduation. The basic principle of the program is that practical and functional skills taught through job experience may be generalized to future competitive or supported employment situations.
Opportunities for Transitioning students are: In-School Volunteer Placement, Community-Based Volunteer Placement and Community-Based Paid Employment. An enclave site consists of a group of students with disabilities working among non-disabled employees at a community business site. A general goal is to provide students with an opportunity to sample a variety of job sites, allowing staff to assess the work-related strengths and interests of the student. A job coach provides ongoing support and supervision. Supported employment provides an opportunity for students to work independently for pay in a community business. A job coach provides training at the start of a placement and fades supervision as skills are mastered at a community business site.
Program Goals
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To improve skills in areas of work, communication, and behavior
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To gain valuable vocational skills and experience
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To increase the opportunity to work with non-disabled persons
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To obtain competitive or supported employment
How employers can shape the future workforce
Employers are becoming more involved in helping students prepare for their future careers.
Options for employers:
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Employment Opportunities
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Provide paid or non-paid work experience for students.
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Mock Interviews
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Conduct practice interviews and gives feedback to students.
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Job Shadowing
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Provide an opportunity for students to spend a day or part of a day at a company to learn firsthand about various jobs and responsibilities.
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Resume and Portfolio Development
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Help students develop resumes, cover letters and portfolios.
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Workshops
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Conduct workshops and training activities related to career awareness and exploration.
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Work etiquette
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Interviewing techniques
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Developing appropriate resumes
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Employer expectations
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Linking curriculum to industry-specific needs
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Field Trips
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Sponsor visits to your work site so young adults can learn more about your operations and different types of occupations.
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Guest Speakers
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Speak to student groups about specific occupations.
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Mentoring
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Link employers with students, based on interests, needs, and availability. Mentors plan a variety of activities and meet regularly with students. Employers can become positive role models for students.
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Workplace Skill Development
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Invite schoolteachers, counselors, administrators, and job developers to participate in training activities for your employees. Provide training to students in specific vocational skills.
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Membership in a Business Advisory Council/Community Advisory Board/School Improvement Team
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Provide information on meeting the needs of employers in general as well as addressing employment issues specific to their businesses. Provide meeting space for school-related events or meetings.
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Networking with Other Employers
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Share positive experiences about developing partnerships with schools with other employers. Identify employment opportunities for students.
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Advantages for employers:
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Opportunities to influence the high school education and training of the future workforce to meet labor market needs.
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Consultation, on-site technical assistance and customer service follow-up to increase the skills of line staff and management in accommodating a diverse workforce.
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Innovative techniques proven to assist companies in capitalizing on a diverse labor pool by recruiting overlooked and underutilized local talent.
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Applicants for entry-level positions who have been pre-screened and evaluated.
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A creative way to meet corporate community action goals
How do I contact the Transitioning Program?
For more information please contact:
Mrs. Kathryn A. Connolly
Transitioning Coordinator
100 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, MD 21015
Email: Kathryn.Connolly@hcps.org
Phone: (410) 638-3843
Fax: ((410) 638-3640
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Additional Links:
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