Savannah Reams: Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Arc Big Bend, local chapter of The Arc, is an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides life skills improvement opportunities which include education, social interaction, and vocational training. They have also implemented a school-to-work program which assists many in planning and preparing for employment. The Arc Big Bend has made great strides towards building the future of Madison's very own citizens.
Paula Arnold, Community Development Consultant, announced, “The Arc Big Bend recently completed a 50 hour pre-employment training for students in Madison and Leon Counties. The program was funded through Florida State Vocational Rehabilitation. This project is part of a statewide initiative for students with disabilities between the ages of 15 and 21 who are currently in school and have either an IEP or a 504 plan.”
Arnold continued, “The Arc Big Bend provided training to 48 students covering the following areas: Career Exploration, Work Readiness, Self-Advocacy, and On The Job Training. Each student completed a resume and had a personal career plan developed for them based upon their chosen career path. The class provided students with resources and tools to consider how their skills and interests could be used to identify the types of jobs they would enjoy and in which they would be successful. Students learned social skills in the workplace, as well as interview skills, work ethics and employee rights. Some students were able to participate in some on-the-job training activities as well.”
“One of our goals for this program was to show these students how to maximize their abilities and to learn about resources that are available to them as they prepare for the transition from school to work,” said Tim Ressler, Executive Director of The Arc Big Bend, Inc.
“We also want to offer our appreciation to the Madison Chief of Police, Tri-County Electric, and to Career Source for visiting with the students,” added Paula Arnold.
Please check out their website at www.thearcbigbend.org.