Free program offers help, job training for disabled teenagers
Each summer, most high school juniors and seniors look forward to spending time with friends while working a part-time job to earn spending money. Unfortunately, for some teens, finding a job and learning the responsibilities that will ease them into adulthood doesn’t come easy. Thankfully, that’s where the services of the Society for Equal Access (SEA) Independent Living Center, Inc. can help through a free Youth in Transition program this summer.
With a mission to assist individuals to become more independent within the community, the not-for-profit SEA provides youth with basic skills that support independent living through the Youth in Transition (YIT) program. Developed primarily for high school juniors and seniors through young adults, YIT was created to reach youth with disabilities (mental, physical and/or emotional) who have an individualized education plan (IEP) through their schools. YIT participants learn about time management, building social skills, budgeting, life skills such as cooking and cleaning, and job readiness skills that prepare them to apply for jobs and participate in interviews.
“Classes will focus on daily living skills to help high school students with disabilities to transition smoothly to adulthood,” explained Heather Heid, SEA independent living supervisor.
The 11-week summer YIT classes will begin on Monday, June 6, and continue through Wednesday, August 17. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., at SEA’s New Philadelphia location at 1458 Fifth Street NW. Classes are team taught by SEA’s independent living staff, including Ruthanne Donalson, Heid, Tracy Goddard, Frances Gundrum and Marsha Mari. Class participation is free, and transportation can be provided by request. Those interested in participating should call Heid at 330-343-9292, ext. 217, soon because class size is limited to 10 students.
Heid explained that the YIT program has been successful thus far with all of last spring’s students having either found jobs or been enrolled in some kind of specialized job training for the summer. “They were satisfied with the program, and they met their goals,” shared Heid of the spring class.
SEA’s free YIT program was made possible in part through a grant created through stimulus funds from the American Rehabilitation & Recovery Act. Dianne Renicker, SEA executive director, noted that SEA provides services to clients based on their need for services, not on income. “We take care of a lot of the children who fall through the cracks,” said Renicker of the YIT program.
For more information about the SEA or the YIT program, call Heid or visit http://www.seailc.org.
With a mission to assist individuals to become more independent within the community, the not-for-profit SEA provides youth with basic skills that support independent living through the Youth in Transition (YIT) program. Developed primarily for high school juniors and seniors through young adults, YIT was created to reach youth with disabilities (mental, physical and/or emotional) who have an individualized education plan (IEP) through their schools. YIT participants learn about time management, building social skills, budgeting, life skills such as cooking and cleaning, and job readiness skills that prepare them to apply for jobs and participate in interviews.
“Classes will focus on daily living skills to help high school students with disabilities to transition smoothly to adulthood,” explained Heather Heid, SEA independent living supervisor.
The 11-week summer YIT classes will begin on Monday, June 6, and continue through Wednesday, August 17. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., at SEA’s New Philadelphia location at 1458 Fifth Street NW. Classes are team taught by SEA’s independent living staff, including Ruthanne Donalson, Heid, Tracy Goddard, Frances Gundrum and Marsha Mari. Class participation is free, and transportation can be provided by request. Those interested in participating should call Heid at 330-343-9292, ext. 217, soon because class size is limited to 10 students.
Heid explained that the YIT program has been successful thus far with all of last spring’s students having either found jobs or been enrolled in some kind of specialized job training for the summer. “They were satisfied with the program, and they met their goals,” shared Heid of the spring class.
SEA’s free YIT program was made possible in part through a grant created through stimulus funds from the American Rehabilitation & Recovery Act. Dianne Renicker, SEA executive director, noted that SEA provides services to clients based on their need for services, not on income. “We take care of a lot of the children who fall through the cracks,” said Renicker of the YIT program.
For more information about the SEA or the YIT program, call Heid or visit http://www.seailc.org.
Published: May 24, 2011
