Disability employment is the highest barrier separating people with disabilities from their fellow Americans. The vast majority of the two-thirds of people with disabilities who are not working want to be employed, according to a survey by Lou Harris polling.
The problem starts early. Twice as many high school students with disabilities drop out as their able bodied peers. In order to change that picture and increase disability awareness, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) sponsors a program called Start On Success (SOS).
Special Education Students Targeted
Students with disabilities who are selected for the program are selected by interest and aptitude. They are generally low-income, at-risk youth with physical, mental or sensory disabilities who would otherwise be likely candidates for isolation and welfare, or incarceration. Parental involvement is important. Parents must want their child to participate, and be involved with orientation and periodic conferences.
Disability Job Sites Varied
The high schoolers spend part of their day in class at the job site, and part of their day at work. Sites are typically universities, hospitals and businesses ranging from auto repair shops to health clinics and food markets. This mix offers the kids a broad sampling of career possibilities. Supervisors at the job site provide constant guidance and mentoring.
Interns usually spend 10 to 15 hours a week on the job, for a length of eight to 32 weeks.
“The only criticism I’ve heard of the program is that it wasn’t long enough!” wrote City of Florence, Ala., Human Resources Director Sandra Sockwell.
Disability Training and Wages
Classroom training concentrates on the basics of job readiness skills: cleanliness, dress, manners, attitude, being on time and behavior. Most of the Start On Success programs offer job placement assistance or further training beyond the internship period.
Getting paid for the job is a vital part of the program. Depending on state or local laws, students receive minimum wage or a special wage for interns and apprentices. Apart from increasing the esteem of the participants, paying a wage makes employers take the program more seriously. Programs average $75 per intern per week.
Currently, there are two Start On Success models operating in eight areas. Connecticut, New Jersey and Alabama have statewide programs, while an urban model functions in Baltimore, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Over 2,000 students with disabilities have been trained for employment since the program’s inception in 1994. This year alone, more than 225 young people will enroll in Start On Success.
Starting Your Own SOS Program
A community wanting to launch an SOS program must demonstrate need. A full year is needed to get the program up and running, and everyone involved – students, parents, administrators, teachers, service providers, employers and local officials – must be involved in the process, which includes submitting a brief project description and three-year budget projection.
Financial support is provided by NOD for up to five years, but the program must be fully self-sufficient at the end of that time. All program partners are encouraged to make direct or indirect contributions. In one such exchange, college undergraduates mentor Start on Success students and special education teachers instruct the college students in assistive technology.
