California Workability1 program widens employment opportunities
Taylor Witt / The Samohi
The WorkAbility1 students join together and show their pride in uniform outside in the Discovery Quad. WorkAbility1 is a California-funded program that teaches special-education students some key skills they will need in the workforce.
Samohi’s WorkAbility1 is paving the way for typically disadvantaged students to have their place in employment. Workability1, a California-funded program, is actively aiming for a more inclusive workplace by creating a space for disabled students to develop vital skills in communication and self-management. WorkAbility 1 is working to prepare special-education students with the necessary skills and experience for the workforce. However, Workability1’s impact goes beyond the classroom, not only are they working on employment preparation, but also allowing students to navigate their personal skill sets and empowering them to discover their full potential.
Students work with a variety of hands-on experiences and communicative activities that allow them to get a real sense of what their future jobs could entail. Tasks such as organizing items into bins or shelves or even practicing rolling silverware into a napkin for prospective restaurant employees can be incredibly beneficial. Augmented-Alternative Communication (AAC) is also prevalent in getting a sense of social interaction. AAC, generally a digital device, allows those who are limited in a speech to express themselves in other forms, like photos and symbols. These methods prepare students for in-person interactions, giving them practical skills to apply to their work.
and asking them about their preferred work environment can determine the best job for these students.Keith will even contact businesses and request a sample of the work that students would be doing so that they can get an opportunity to practice their tasks and ensure it’s a right fit.
Samohi’s WorkAbility1 coordinator, Kelly Keith said, students, staff and parents work collectively to determine how a job placement aligns with a student’s interests and skills. Recognizing students’ individuality
WorkAbility1 gives an environment for special education students to adapt to new situations. Being in a larger crowd, especially in retail environments, students can feel magnified and uncomfortable. Keith speaks on the program’s influence on combating stereotypes “I think we’re directly attacking that issue by breaking the barriers and the stigmatism of hiding people with disabilities,” Keith said. “We’ve come a long way but there is still that which is somewhat of a shock when you see somebody with more extreme intensive needs.”
Workability1 has gotten connected with a variety of businesses in Santa Monica that are employing their students. Including establishments like TJ Maxx, Animal Kingdom, Earth Wind & Flower, Hilton Hotel and even past employees at the Santa Monica Daily Press. However, Keith said, they are actively looking for more relationships with Santa Monica-based businesses.
“Being a part of the workforce allows others to see capabilities, see the oneness, the sameness that we all have and to be more open-minded, more able to embrace the possibility that this person with extensive needs is productive, useful, and important. And plays a role in society like everyone else,” Keith said.