A Pathway for Job Training and Employment in Special Education

The WorkAbility (WAI) Program is an initiative aimed at assisting students with disabilities in successfully transitioning from school to the workforce. The WAI program provides comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement and follow-up for high school students in special education who are making the transition from school to work, independent living, and postsecondary education or training. Program services are identified based on appropriateness to individual student needs, abilities, and interests.

The WAI program offers students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) the opportunity to complete their secondary education while also obtaining marketable job skills. WAI also provides high school students with an understanding of job-seeking and job-keeping skills. The employability of students improves through occupational class training and on-the-job subsidized or unsubsidized work experience.

The WAI program seeks employers in the business community who will give students with disabilities a chance to prove themselves in a competitive integrated employment setting. In Trinity County, this means strong collaboration between our local small businesses and our WAI program.

Stephanie Rebelo

srebelo@tcoek12.org

(530) 623-2861 ext. 245