slideshow

FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

The Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities (SCBDD) Bridges program held a graduation ceremony for nine participants of the six-week program. Bridges assists under-served areas of the state in developing employment services for youth as they transition from school to employment.

Rachel Lenegar, transition specialist at the Vocation Station, which is operated by the SCBDD, said the overall goal of the project is to enhance career exploration options and increase employment outcomes by developing a collaborative network of services that will assist students in achieving their employment goals.

Those graduating from the program include: Adam Salmons, Ellen Andrews, Chelsee Stiltner, Charlie Skaggs, Josh Trowbridge, Angel O’Rourke, James Hanes, Leah Robertson and Clinton Mustard.

“This group, as with all of the students we’ve had so far, was anxious and energetic about the program. They ask questions and really enjoy learning more about their options,” Lenegar said.

The Bridges program began in Scioto County in 2011. Three classes have graduated 15 participants. The latest class, that began July 3, has nine participants.

“In order to establish a career path, each student creates a portfolio listing their education, interests, hobbies and any work experience they have. Once these students are ready for community employment, they will be referred to the board, and using their portfolios, we will help them find a job that fits their interests and experience,” Laurie Green, Community Employment Team Leader at the Vocation Station, said.

According to Green, by the time these students are referred to the board, they have already developed the skills they need to succeed in community employment, “So we don’t have to spend time developing a good employee. We can focus on securing a job rather than discovering a person’s interests and working out any barriers to employment within the individual.”

Lenegar said anyone needing information on opportunities available for individuals with developmental disabilities, can visit them on the web at www.sciotocountydd.org, like them on Facebook at Scioto County Board of DD or follow them on Twitter @SciotoDD.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com