We recently got the opportunity to meet with an incredible youth program that assists disabled students through education, on and into the job world.
We interviewed Terrie Odabi, an Employment Specialist at the Oakland Unified School District for The WorkAbility 1 Program. Here is what she had to say.
The WorkAbility 1 Program was created for California students with disabilities who have an IEP (Individual Educational Plan). Some of our Student’s challenges are profound and obvious and other students’ disabilities may be hidden and or mild. WorkAbility is funded by the State of California and recently celebrated its 40th year of existence.
A staff of three employment specialist and one coordinator make up the WorkAbility 1 team. Together we serve a total of 826 students which include high school, middle school, and young adults. A few of the services provided are vocational assessments, career counseling and guidance, career exploration activities, job readiness workshops, and job placement. During the summer months through community partners we have provided as many as 35 youth with summer employment. After students have left the school district, WorkAbility continues to follow up with them to see how they are doing and to make possible referrals to other agencies.
For example. I once had a student age 17, in foster care who actually stayed in a group home. Her attendance was horrible. She was behind in her credits and had a horrible attitude. (Name has been changed for her own privacy). When Sharrie was at school she was disruptive in the classroom, a very unhappy youth and was on the verge of dropping out of school. For some reason, Sharrie and I had a connection. With that in mind, I let her know that if she wanted a job I could help her get one. She explained to me that she was interested in working in a beauty salon. I approached a friend of mine who owns a salon and told her about Sharrie. I explained to her that Sharrie cared about little else other than working and learning about doing hair. I explained to her that WorkAbility could pay Sharrie to work at her Salon. My friend agreed to give Sharrie the opportunity to work for her.
Because of her poor attendance and performance in school, before Sharrie was allowed to work, she had to have a special IEP meeting with the principle, her social worker, myself and her teacher. During the meeting Sharrie had to sign a contract promising to attend school daily, go to every class and complete her home assignments for one month before starting her job. She was also told that if she did not continue to live up to her contract she would not be allowed to continue to work. Not only did she keep her promise, Sharrie ended up on the honor roll and graduated in the top of her class. My friend loved having her work in her salon and considered it a win win situation. Having a job for Sharrie was significant. It help her mature and motivated her to graduate from high school.
If you are interested in being involved with our organization there are many ways you can help or partner with WorkAbility. Hire our students (We go through great care to make sure the student are a good match for whatever job we place them in.) Refer our program to a business who might want to hire a student. Let us know about job openings. Allow WorkAbility to pay while a student works and trains with you. Donate prizes, food or materials for a job fair. And volunteer to be a career speaker in a classroom or at a career fair.
Thank You Terrie for your time and all you do in the world!
Contact Terrie at terrie.odabi@ousd.k12.ca.us