Virtual Pre-EmployAbility Skills Program
A one week online program focusing on pre-employment strategies relating to work. There will be no work component to this program. The entire program will be online, either via recorded modules and virtual connections with no in person instruction.
Programming will take place the week of July 6-10, 2020 with pre-program activities the week of June 29 to July 3, 2020.
Since the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is unable to hold any programs on campus this summer due to the restrictions of COVID 19, we have decided to move the Pre-EmployAbility program online. There will be minimal instruction in daily living skills and community safety.
Focus
The focus of this program will be on developing pre-employment skills that lead to employment in the community. Components of the program include researching jobs, creating a resume, learning about community safety, completing job applications, job interviewing, communicating with employers and coworkers, learning about requirements of various jobs and what type of qualities employers are seeking in a candidate
Who Will Benefit?
This program will benefit students who plan to live independently, work with no or minimal support, and/or attend a university, private, or technical college. This program is not part of a student’s IEP, nor any local district
programming.
Eligibility
Students who are 16-21 years of age, who are blind or visually impaired and have attended high school in Wisconsin for the 2019-2020 school year, are eligible to participate. All students who sign up for the program will receive a certificate upon successful completion. The program will accommodate up to ten students with priority given to those who signed up for the 2020 on campus program.
Program Requirements
In order to participate in this program, students will need internet access, an email account, a computer or device that will allow them to access the online modules and virtual meetings and the ability to communicate online. Minimal parent support may be required for monitoring of certain tasks. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form must be completed prior to start of program for access to virtual programming.
Registration
Students commit to the full week of the program (July 6-10) and be available for pre-assessment, interviewing with staff and testing of technology the week of June 29 to July 3. The program will involve participating in daily online meetings, completing assignments independently or with online support. The due date to submit your interest form is June 12.
Please fill out the online interest form, which is due June 12, 2020. Applicants who submit an interest form will be contacted the week of June 15 in order to discuss details for participation.
Community Partners
Some of our long standing Janesville employers include Mocha Moment, Basics Cooperative Natural Foods, Italian House, Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin, Saint Elizabeth Home, Jack & Dick’s Feed & Garden, Creative Children’s Learning, Lucky Paws, Petland, Janesville Montessori Children’s House, Janesville Police Department, Boys & Girls Club of Janesville, and ECHO Inc (Everyone Cooperating to Help Others).
We appreciate our community partnerships with all of these employers. We are always looking for new job opportunities for our students who are blind and visually impaired. If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact EmployAbility Program Coordinator David Ballmann.
Podcast Interview
David Ballmann was interviewed about the EmployAbility program on episode 35 of the Badger News Podcast. You can listen to the interview here or find Badger News on your favorite podcast app.
For more information, please contact:
David Ballmann, EmployAbility Program Coordinator
Phone: (608) 758-6149
Toll Free: 1-866-284-1107 x6149
Email: david.ballmann@wcbvi.k12.wi.us