More than 200 students in the Mohawk Valley are celebrating a big accomplishment.
Students with disabilities in grades seven through 12 were recently recognized for either moving up or graduating from The Arc’s School To Work programs.
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More than 200 students in the Mohawk Valley are celebrating a big accomplishment
Students with disabilities in grades seven through 12 are being recognized for either moving up or graduating from The Arc’s School To Work programs
It’s training that goes a long way, especially when the New York State Department of Health says more than a quarter of adults in our state have one or more disabilities
Mikayla Gadz is a teacher’s aide at the Westmoreland Central School District.
“I love it,” Gadz said.
Mikayla said a key part of her journey to this job was participating in The Arc, Oneida-Lewis’ School To Work Programs.
The programs allow students to try out job shadowing and internships and offers opportunities for work experience.
“It made getting a job easier because I had a lot of back history of working,” Gadz said.
Mikayla graduated from the program 10 years ago.
Today, the effort continues to grow.
“We really picked up with middle school levels, which is great because we’re getting that socialization, independent living skills, helping them to really socialize and see what’s out there before getting into the career readiness,” said School to Work director Brandi McCanney.
The 15th annual end-of-year ceremony took place in June.
With more than 200 students either moving up or graduating from the programs, one of them hopes to go to college and go on to be a Zumba instructor.
“So I can teach people how to dance because I like dancing,” said School to Work graduate Camani Collins.
Students with disabilities in grades seven through 12 take part in the programs, preparing them for the workforce.
It’s training that goes a long way, especially when the New York State Department of Health said more than a quarter of adults in our state have one or more disabilities.
“We’re very flexible if we think outside the box as far as what the students’ interests are, look what how many students are coming to us, what their ages are, what their abilities are and we try to center our experiences around their abilities,” said McCanney.
Back in Westmoreland, Gadz said she loves her job, but her journey isn’t complete.
Her next goal is to become a teacher’s assistant.
“It’s very important for a young generation to work. And I say they should push, no offense, to push more Arc programs into the school system,” Gadz said.