Career Orientation Program

The Career Orientation Program is the transition phase of supported employment for those young persons with intellectual disabilities who are in the last few years of public school eligibility. The Career Orientation Program provides the opportunity for participants to sample various jobs in the community while developing job readiness skills. The goal of the program is to make the transition from school to competitive employment possible. Historically, young persons with disabilities have been excluded from competitive employment, however, this trend is ending. They are given the opportunity to learn the necessary skills needed to succeed in the competitive work force.

PARTICIPANTS
Participants in the Career Orientation Program are young persons with moderate/sever intellectual disabilities who are currently in a Clayton County School secondary program.

RATIONALE
Educators at the secondary level have seen the success of students who participate in the work-sampling program. All of the participants have graduated from high school and have received a certificate of promotion to the Career Orientation Program where additional vocational training is given. Therefore, the school system is committed to enhance and expand programming in an effort to continue to produce dependable and productive candidates for the job market.

TRAINING
The Career Orientation Program utilizes local Clayton County Businesses and organizations as sites for job sampling. These work settings offer real life work experiences, which cannot be duplicated in a traditional classroom setting. School system personnel provide supervision and training. Community trips provide instructional sessions in travel, community safety, shopping, eating out, and using community services.

SELF-MANAGEMENT
Self-management activities provide instruction in grooming/dressing, budgeting, and planning/scheduling. Emphasis on appropriate behavior and socialization skills at work and in the community is also an important aspect of their training.