Unlocking Potential: Summer Jobs for Students with Disabilities

 

 

Summer Youth Work Experiences for students with disabilities have been taking place throughout Ohio this summer, laying the foundation for their future careers. The program offers students with disabilities, aged 14-21, the chance to explore the world of work and gain on-the-job training.

 

A total of 2,934 students across the state are participating in summer jobs, with additional younger students being supported to explore and prepare for their first job experiences. These summer work experiences help students build confidence and learn essential skills in a job setting. Youth are assigned to work sites based on their interests and abilities. While working at these job sites, students receive support from a job coach and earn minimum wage.

 

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provide students with disabilities, as young as 14, an early start in exploring career interests. The five core services include Job Exploration Counseling, Work-Based Learning, Counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities, Workplace Readiness Training, and Instruction in Self-Advocacy.

 

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin Miller stated, “Summer Youth Work Experiences help youth with disabilities develop crucial life skills, build a strong work ethic, and gain real-world experience that will set them up for success in their future careers."

 

OOD collaborates with 75 vocational rehabilitation providers throughout the state to offer Summer Youth Work Experiences. Jay Burns from the OOD Provider and Contract Management Unit explained, “Our provider partners are integral to creating these exceptional experiences. They provide participating youth with structure and guidance to be successful.”

 

“This program allows us to have a huge impact on the juniors and seniors preparing to transition out of high school,” said Megan Clow, Supervisor of Mission Services, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. “These youth have the opportunity to get work experience out in the community and to learn the essential skills needed to be successful in employment."

 

Neil Witsken of Cincinnati shared his experience: “OOD has been instrumental in helping my daughter, Anna, achieve her vocational goals. They developed and adjusted a plan to match her evolving interests and needs. Through OOD, we have worked with IKRON, where Anna has gained confidence and skills by participating in their Summer Youth Experience and working with on-site job coaches. The supportive staff and positive work environment have made a significant impact on her development.”

 

Beth Szpak of Cleveland Heights shared the following regarding Gus, her son: “Working with Goodwill and OOD has been a fantastic opportunity for Gus to explore entering the workforce in a supportive environment. He's learning a variety of skills and figuring out how to be a coworker in an accepting place.”

 

Three job coaches from IKRON Corporation, a vocational rehabilitation provider, offer their perspectives:

 

Missy Sauer highlights the program's benefits: "Students gain real work experience, developing professional and personal skills with one-on-one support. They've used their creativity to contribute by making inspirational coffee sleeves, which the work site staff greatly appreciated."

 

Fran Holzschuh notes the transformative impact: "It's a joy to watch students blossom with newfound confidence, knowing this experience can open doors to many possibilities."

 

Debbie Altemuehle reflects on student growth: "Students develop social skills, job skills, and communication, leaving with greater self-confidence. Many surprise themselves by accomplishing tasks they never thought possible. It's a privilege to work with these gifted students, who often teach me as well."

 

If you have a child aged 14 or older with a disability, contact OOD for more information on how we can help your child with career exploration, skill development, and strategies to get a job or attend post-secondary education after graduation. Starting in the fall, counselors begin talking with students and their parents about opportunities for next summer. To find out more, visit the OOD Students 14+ webpage.