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District highlights transition program gains, WorkAbility and We Can Work placements for students with disabilities
Summary
Mount Diablo USD staff reported expansion of transition services for students with disabilities, including WorkAbility placements, a Friends Cafe on campus and a We Can Work grant serving up to 30 students per year; the district said many students obtained paid employment and that alternative diploma pathways were adopted.
District staff reported progress on transition-to-work programs for students with disabilities during the May 14 board meeting, highlighting partnerships with local employers and the state-funded We Can Work grant.
District staff said the district’s WorkAbility program historically served about 850 students but is currently supporting about 1,200 students; the program exceeded its placement target by securing paid employment for more than the 40 required students, reporting 72 students in paid positions, many in after-school programs.
Gianna Thompson, who presented on the We Can Work grant, said the program served 35 students over two years (the grant cap is 30 students per year) and that 28 students are currently enrolled under the grant this year. The program places students at two Grocery Outlet stores and funds wages at an on-campus Friends Cafe; students work two days a week, 3.5 hours per day, and can move to more responsible roles including cashier training. Thompson said one student will have an offer for paid employment after graduation.
Staff said the program has improved student resume-building opportunities, budgeting experience and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) enrollment for students who want continued services when they age out of the district program.
The district also reported adoption of a set of alternative-diploma courses for students with disabilities. Staff said 23 graduating students were identified as eligible for the alternative diploma in the most recent year and that 48 of 86 current Bridge (transition program) students are receiving the alternative diploma this year while still planning to continue in district transition services.
Board members praised the partnerships with Grocery Outlet, BJ’s, Walgreens and local businesses, and suggested inviting state legislators to visit to see program outcomes. Trustees asked about expanding employer sites and noted the program’s role in increasing student independence and community integration.
The presentation described the loss of a federal grant earlier but said available materials and program elements continue; staff urged the board to consider visits to worksites and transition program sites to see students in placement.
