Pre-EmployAbility Skills Program
July 6-16, 2021
Program will be held virtually with possible pre-program activities the week of June 29-July 2, 2021.
The focus of the virtual pre-employability program will be on developing skills to enhance employment and life skills. There will also be minimal instruction in daily living skills and Orientation and Mobility.
A one-week online program focusing on pre-employment strategies relating to work. Students will gain ten hours of paid work performing work from their home. Work will be supported via online instructors. Jobs will be designated by program staff. The entire program will be online, via either recorded modules or virtual connections with no in person instruction.
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.
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.