“Every one of my kids is walking out of my class with a resume.” Victoria Campbell, a Transition Coordinator at the Alleghany Intermediate Unit’s Sunrise School in Monroeville, PA, is opening doors for students with special needs through pre-employment transition services. By developing a strong partnership between the schools, Vocational Rehabilitation …
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and Project Discovery sends applause and our “Thank You” from the heart to the diverse community of educators we serve and are inspired by throughout the year. You are creative, innovative and have the most passionate hearts for your students. For all of us, the greatest reward is seeing those students succeed. …
Microsoft is actively seeking candidates for an ever-expanding list of opportunities, including roles in software engineering, data science, customer service and operations. This was hardly breaking news, until Microsoft announced that these hires would be part of a new program to recruit individuals with Autism. Mary Ellen Smith, Corporate Vice President for Worldwide Operations, introduced Microsoft’s new initiative at the United Nations on World Autism …
Rising Tide Car Wash in Parkland, FL is a local business giving job opportunities to people with autism. Their story is being highlighted by Starbucks’ video campaign, Upstanders, in a piece entitled “Employing the Full Spectrum.” Inspired by his son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with autism, John D’Eri founded the car wash three years ago. …
“Every student should dream of what they can be — a landscaper, carpenter, retailer, caregiver, grocery clerk, police officer or medical assistant.” Specialized Career and Life Skills Curriculum “Inclusion, workforce readiness, career development, life skills, independence,” these are goals to describe the work of Nicky Loch, a Vocational Coordinator at the South Washington County …
Philadelphia Student Growers Talk about Their Hands-On Career Education Experience. Each summer, something extraordinary happens on the campus of the Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia, PA. Young adult students, ages 18 to 21, who have multiple disabilities, from autism to intellectual disabilities, are communicating with excitement. Students who rarely speak or make eye …
For ten years, Betsy Gentry worked as a Transition Coordinator in the Special Education Department of the Bradley County School District in Cleveland, TN. Because of her insight and the support of local businesses, many high school students with special needs now work in the community. Teaching Best Practices to Special Education Teachers Today, …
When Pam Roth met Theresa Cortney, a Transition and Employment Specialist for Klein ISD, Houston, Texas, she was concerned about her son’s future. Cory has intellectual delays. In middle school, his teachers saw his aptitude decline. Mrs. Roth knew that her son liked hands-on activities. Cory didn’t do so well in classes that were mostly …
Annie Graham is a special education teacher in Prairieville, LA. She created this video about her use of Project Discovery career exploration and life skills curriculum to demonstrate her instructional process with exceptional needs students. She says, “I want to enhance my student’s transitional skills and lifelong learning opportunities.” To Annie and to all special …
Today, we’re giving a HIGH FIVE! to Lori Dyer, an exceptional thinker and co-founder of the Believers Academy, a charter school in Palm Beach, Florida. Lori and her team of skillful and passionate educators give second chances to local middle and high school students at risk of dropping out of school. These students may have …