Self-Advocacy: IEP meetings for Students. Here’s How.
Self-Advocacy is an essential life skill for all students to learn – especially those with special needs. If students can be taught to be their own advocate, then they can be less reliant on others and can, instead, stand up for themselves and proactively articulate their needs. A recent article on edweek.com highlighted the importance […]
But What If I Do Not Like This Internship?
It is important to identify what careers students have an interest in before committing them to an internship that they have no interest in whatsoever. Ideally, students should be allowed to explore a variety of careers before going on an internship and taking/securing a valuable spot that might better suit another student. Internships are great […]
Disability Mentoring Day. A Positive Step for Your Students to the Workplace
There are a number of ways to honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We recently posted a blog about the increasing numbers of employers who are opening their doors to those with disabilities. Our goal is to get students, each and every student, job ready to confidently approach and enter those open doors. […]
Florida’s Arc Innovative PALS Program Launches Careers
A Blue Print for Transition Success “He went from sitting on the couch at home to creating his own hydroponic produce business.” “She was the first person with Downs Syndrome to graduate and receive her license in Cosmetology from Pensacola State.” Dondie Roper, PALS Program Director at the Arc Gateway Pensacola, Florida can regale you with […]
Downs Syndrome Can’t Slow Down This College Grad
“Down syndrome is merely an obstacle, not an insurmountable barrier for Cameron” “Cameron knew forever and a day that she wanted a career in beauty, hair care and make-up.” But Hair Care and Cosmetology are regulated industries, explains Dondie Roper, Program Director at the Arc Gateway of Pensacola’s Program for Adult Learning and Support (PALS). […]
Embrace the Mandate for Career Exploration
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was designed to help youth with disabilities make a smooth transition from high school to employment or higher education. To make smooth transitions a reality, WIOA asks Vocational Rehabilitation and Education agencies to collaborate to prepare youth with disabilities for their next steps, starting as early as age […]
Elevating Those With Down Syndrome
October is the official month designated to create awareness about Down’s Syndrome. We would specifically like highlight the accomplishments of those with Downs and hopefully inspire others to recognize what an incredible asset they can be to your workplace, community or organization. According to the Better Health Channel, “People with Down syndrome often have their […]
What We Insisted To Be Included in IEP Meetings for our Autistic Son
Focus on the positive not the negative or perceived shortcomings. According to this parent, “For every characteristic that can be classified as a “problem”, there’s a flip side – something that actually works as a benefit for my son. It’s part of his strengths.” Read more from the Mighty. “During an IEP, the child’s strengths […]
Be Inclusive. Be A Friend!
What does it mean to be a friend? It’s National Bullying Prevention Month! That’s why we wanted to take a moment to encourage you to make a difference with your students. As a teacher, it’s impossible to know each interaction that takes place inside and outside of the classroom. Bullying prevention is difficult when you […]
Prepare Students with Disabilities for Opening Doors
According to a recent article in Disability Scoop “Corporate America is increasingly working to include people with disabilities with a new report finding that a growing number of companies are actively recruiting from this population. In a survey of 110 companies that collectively account for 5 percent of the nation’s workforce, 95 percent reported that they […]