Program Description:

This program teaches essential workplace skills to low-income people with disabilities, helping them to build marketable skills for future employment. Specific program objectives were to provide vocational training to 175 individuals with disabilities, with measured improvement in
the training goals set.

Results:

Due to COVID-related restrictions, the Vocational Training Program was limited on how many vocational students could access the
program. The program was only able to accommodate 95 students, instead of the proposed 175. Students learned about different types of careers and how to carry out various vocational tasks, participated in job surveys to learn the importance of choosing jobs that align with their skills and interests, practiced filling out applications and interview skills with professional communication and social scripts. Additionally, students participated in volunteer projects throughout the year that allowed them to transfer the skills they learned to real scenarios. Although the program served fewer students, the data showed great results for those students who were able to participate, with demonstrated progress shown on 87% of vocational goals developed.

Future Plans:

One of the most exciting things to come out of this program is the development of a new internship program that will be funded through the San Diego Regional Center. This program will provide paid internships for up to 1 year for up to 12 clients with disabilities. These clients will receive intensive training at a 1:2 ratio 5 days per week, with pay, which will lead to job placement once their training is completed.