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(ARA) – Anyone who has looked for a job knows how hard it can be – targeting good employers, finding a position that is a fit for their skills, competing with other job-hunters, interviewing. Now imagine that you’re a high school senior with disabilities looking for a job that will be fulfilling and that will pay enough to live independently. “We help students figure out what their dream job is and then help them realize it,” says John Nietupski, director of the Super Senior transition program, an innovative program underway in Iowa to help high school students with disabilities identify career goals and then obtain jobs that match those goals.
Founded in 2001, Super Seniors was initially funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, but now is funded by school districts. Super Seniors is a collaborative effort involving students and their families, school staff, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, Goodwill Industries and the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development. The program currently serves 11 high schools in rural, urban and suburban Iowa school districts.
“Students with disabilities need extra training and support in order to become independent and successful in a community job,” says Nietupski. “These are students who typically fall through the cracks after high school, ending up unemployed or with a series of part-time, low wage jobs that leave them with no future. We help these students transition into satisfying, long-term employment with decent wages.”
The program has two components. During the student’s senior year, the student and their transition team will create an individualized career plan with work experiences directly related to their career interests. After graduation, students participate in a fifth, or “super senior” year in which they receive extensive on-the-job training and paid apprenticeships that will enhance the skills needed to obtain and keep a satisfying job.
One-on-one counseling and training, and a personal involvement with each student are what make the program work. “The dedication of our staff, as well as the support of the schools and community employers, is key to our success,” says Nietupski. Amy Winslow and Judy Warth are two of the committed staff members who do whatever it takes to find the right job for their students, and they love to share their students’ success stories.
Lucy, a young woman whose family came to the Untied States from Africa is a good example of how the program works. She has a learning and hearing disability, coupled with having to learn a new language. Lucy comes from a long line of doctors, and wanted a job in the healthcare field. “We helped her get into a medical careers class, and then helped arrange an internship at a nursing home,” says Winslow. Through Super Seniors, Lucy got help with studying for her Certified Nursing Assistant certification, which Lucy passed on the third try. “She now works 30 hours a week as a patient transporter at a hospital and gets glowing reviews,” reports Winslow. Lucy is in a good position to be considered for other jobs in the hospital as well.
Super Senior students have contributed their talents to a number of industries, including construction, computer, pharmacy, auto, childcare, security, manufacturing and service. Dedicated employers are an integral part of the program’s success. Midwest Computer Brokers, a computer recycling company, has employed four Super Seniors students. “We have a solid relationship with the Super Senior Program. We’re pleased with the employees we’ve hired and will definitely continue working with them. We feel it is important to help these students find meaningful jobs that also benefit the community,” says Midwest’s co-owner, Greg Kerr.
“One of the most gratifying aspects of the job for me is to take new students to local businesses and to see that students we placed there previously are still thriving in the workplace,” says Warth. She recently ran into a student she placed three years ago at a food distributor. “He was headed for prison before Super Seniors,” says Warth. “Thanks to a great employer and support from our program, he is now a valued member of the team.”
To help other communities implement similar programs, Super Seniors can provide site visit opportunities, phone or e-mail consultation, written materials and funding ideas. For more information on the Super Seniors program, contact John Nietupski at (800) 332-8488, x6442 or via e-mail at Jnietupski@aea10.k12.ia.us.
Courtesy of ARA Content
