FAQ | workability

Workability Background, Mission and Array of Services

WorkAbility is a state-funded program that provides worksite training and follow-up for students with special needs who are making the transition from school to work

Background

In 1981, the California Department of Education completed a two-year study concerning the status of vocational programs for students with disabilities.

The study showed that:

Special education students were not being adequately prepared for the labor market
Few students with disabilities were successful in vocational education unless extra assistance was made available to them
Special needs students often failed to succeed in required academic courses because of their lack of academic readiness
Vocational Courses did not always specifically target the reading or math levels that some special education students required
A state interagency approach was needed to bring together the teaching skills to California Department of Education educators, the job-seeking support of Employment Development specialist and counseling skills of Department of Rehabilitation counselors

California Department of Education implemented WorkAbility I in 1981 to increase the employability of special education students and provide career and/or vocational education training as well as specialized education work experience.

Mission of WorkAbility

The goal of WorkAbility is to provide services to students with disabilities that will help them obtain and retain employment.

Array of Services and Questions

What services does WorkAbility offer?

» WorkAbility offers workshops on many different topics to their students. These workshops include but are not limited to:

How to create and update a resume, Mock interviews, How to dress for an interview, Assistance on job applications and calling the manager/owner, Reaching age of majority and the responsibilities that go along with it, How to budget and manage money, How to sign up for colleges and vocational programs, and many more

» WorkAbility Provides Work Experience Education

This is an unpaid job in which the student is compensated for their labor with elective credits. The student can receive 5 elective credits per class period of Work Experience Education they are enrolled. WorkAbility assists in finding the work site location and monitors the site and hours worked.

» WorkAbility Provides Paid Summer Employment

WorkAbility can offer up to 80 hours of paid employment for the month of July. This service is limited in the amount of students it can accept (due to budget). WorkAbility will interview students and choose those that qualify and are work ready.

Who qualifies for WorkAbility services?

» High school students, age 16 - 22, with a current IEP

Are all students with special needs, who wish to work, given job opportunities?

» While many students desire a job, not all are job ready. Students are assessed in developing pre-employment skills, grooming, interview preparation, positive social behavior and work ethics

If it is determined that the student is ready, they will be assisted in finding a job

What other qualifications are required to help a student find employment?

» WorkAbility looks at the student's attitude, attendance, and behavior to help determine if a student is ready to work. Also, the student will need to have parent permission and be able to verify their legal eligibility to work in the United States (Social Security Card, Photo ID)

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