Question 29
How has the number of students falling in the gap between high school
transition to the "real world" decreased with school-to-work?
What are the statistics supporting the services?
Would a vocational rehabiliation counselor on the school site working
with the students from the beginning of their ITP increase possiblities
of success?
STW Wizard Strategies
Strategy 1
(Note: the following reponse is from a former transition student
who has been very successful in her transition from school to work and independence.
Sometimes the best answers come not from research, but from those who have
gone through the experience and can share their story).
From personal experience (I am not aware of exact numbers or statistics)
but, I am a former student of transition services and I have had opportunities
that I can now say are related to the School-to-Work Initiative. (Even though
in my time it was not named this!)
Without these opportunities I would not be where I am now! I am 24 years
old and have a condition called Spina Bifida. I use a wheelchair for mobility
and am very active in my daily life. I am employed with the Department of
Children, Families and Learning in the Office of Lifework Development and
working directly with the School-to-Work Initiative in the area of clerical
support.
I am entirely self sufficient. I do not have any subsidies for any area
of my life (such as SSI, Medical Assistance, etc....) I am entirely dependent
upon my employment for my financial status. This is a great satisfaction
to me that I am able to maintain this status and I could not have accomplished
this without the support that I received through transition services.
I was able to access opportunities and the accommodations that I need
for success. I have come into contact with many people who have offered
support and assistance for MY goals. They have given me the freedom to make
the choices that I want and have supported me when I have failed to get
back on the right path.
I did not receive any other assistance than financial from Vocational
Rehabilitation. I feel I was now at a disadvantage because I did not receive
emotional or other types of support (other than financial). I am very grateful
for what I have received but the personal connection between Vocational
Rehabiltation and their clients needs a great deal of improvement. Their
role in students success is essential! They need to be much more than just
funding! In my experience they seem to have the perception that they are
taking people who are at a deficit and rehabilitating' them.
I was employed (maybe not gainfully but I advanced through EDUCATION!)
But I had been working since the age of 13. I required opportunities and
skills. I was successful when I was first connected to Vocational Rehabilitation,
but I wanted more. I was not really bad off and they 'fixed' me! In my opinion
for these reasons consumers need to be treated more like clients than case
loads.
Success in a career is much more than just getting up and going to work
each day. It has a great deal to do with LIFELONG LEARNING and access to
adequate education that will ensure success and advancement within employment
opportunities.
I am facing a large amount of debt with going back to school but the
benefits far outweigh the debt! I will be attending Metro State University
(hopefully by August 24th!) I am seeking a bachelor's degree within an individualized
program. I will be able to design the courses that I want and need for advancement
and still have a bachelor's degree at the end! And I'm finally excited about
school and learning!
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