Supplemental Programs

WPUSD WorkAbility I

HISTORY

The California Department of Education (CDE) completed a two-year study in 1981 that provided substantive information concerning the status of vocational programs for students with disabilities. Results of the study indicated that these students were not being adequately prepared for the labor market.

WorkAbility I (WAI) was initiated in November 1981 as a pilot project to test the concept of work experience for youth with disabilities.

WAI continues to successfully conduct interagency coordination of services, which began with a September 1982 Employment Development Department (EDD), State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and CDE non-financial interagency agreement.

The WAI program is funded and administered by the CDE. 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 appropriate 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 provides secondary 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 special needs a chance to prove themselves in a competitive integrated employment setting. Local program sites successfully coordinate state and local service providers to offer comprehensive services tailored to local economic, social, and geographic needs and abilities.

For more information please go to the following website : http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/wrkabltyI.asp

A CALIFORNIA TRANSITION PROGRAM

WorkAbility I (WAI) is a vocational learning program for special education student’s ninth-twelfth grades up to age 22 while still in high school. It is designed to promote career awareness and exploration while students complete their secondary education program. WorkAbility I is administered by the California Department of Education, Special Education Division (CDE/SP). Students with an active IEP are eligible. This program was created to assist all Special Education students in vocational knowledge while they are in school.

WAI provides opportunities for situational assessments, assistance with obtaining part time job, and on-going support and guidance from the Western Placer WAI staff.
Assists with job readiness skills and job counseling.
Non paid/paid work experience when available to eligible students.
Career awareness/exploration

WORKABILITY I PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION

Tracey Lillie
Program Coordinator
916-434-5024
Email

Jina Martelle
Transition Specialist
916-434-5024
Email

WPUSD Transition Partnership Program (TPP)

TPP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Transition Partnership Program is a Work Readiness Program.

The Transition Partnership Program (TPP) builds partnerships between local education agencies and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) for the purposes of assisting high school students with disabilities gain work readiness skills.

Students are referred to the DOR usually by the TPP staff.
Once accepted by the DOR, student/client may receive counseling assistance in career exploration counseling, work readiness skills, and/or vocational training for the purpose of employment.
(Limitations May Apply)

TPP PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION