Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Adult Transition Workability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Glendora Unified highlights adult transition and WorkAbility programs preparing students for employment
Summary
District staff described the adult transition (ATP) and WorkAbility programs that provide functional academics, community-based instruction and paid work experiences for students 16—22, including college courses and employer partnerships.
Glendora Unified program staff described two career- and life-skills initiatives designed to support students with disabilities entering adulthood.
Lainie (Lanny) Armstrong, a program specialist, outlined the Adult Transition Program (ATP) at Whitcomb for students ages 18 to 22. Armstrong said ATP emphasizes functional academics, vocational training, community-based instruction (CBI) such as navigating public transportation and ordering at restaurants, and supported employment. Classes typically enroll about 15 students and include partnerships that allow students to gain job experience and create simple resumes.
Melissa Kille, WorkAbility project manager and program administrator, described the district's long-running WorkAbility grant, funded through the California Department of Education. She said the program served about 240 students last year and placed 32 in community businesses, paying participants minimum wage for 25 to 100 hours depending on their needs. Kille said WorkAbility provides career assessments, job-readiness training, resume building, employer outreach and links to regional services such as the regional center and Department of Rehabilitation for post-program supports.
Both presenters highlighted business partnerships (example employers named in the presentation) and a Citrus College partnership that allows ATP students to take adaptive PE or college-readiness courses on campus. Kille said WorkAbility aims for competitive, integrated employment and noted several ATP alumni were hired by employers such as Costco after graduation.
Why it matters: The programs aim to increase students' independence, provide paid work experience and strengthen community ties, which district staff said can help with post-22 transitions to regional supports or competitive employment.
Next steps: Staff asked the board for continued support as the district pursues grants and employer partnerships to expand placements and sustain program hours.
