Studies have shown that individuals with disabilities need successful work experience prior to completion of formal educational; without this experience, most individuals with disabilities remain underemployed for the remainder of their lifetime.
For some of our students, this means helping them acquire the skills necessary to transition to adulthood. The newly created Vocational Program assists youth with disabilities, mental illness and behavioral health needs develop skills necessary to transition to their new roles in education, employment, and community living. The Vocational Program consists of three tiers, each driven by the data gained from detailed task analysis collected throughout each program day.
In the first work tier, individuals earn incentive money while completing tasks at Excel Academy including working in the cafeteria, library and school store.
The second work tier consists of individuals working within the community under the supervision of a job coach. Through collaboration with several community organizations, individuals work to complete tasks for incentive money.
The third work tier is a transitional placement. Individuals work under the supervision of a job coach to begin the process of maintaining independent competitive employment.
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