SDUHSD WorkAbility Work Experience(WE) Process* - SDUHSD WA WE is administered in adherence to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
*- Participation in a WorkAbility WE is determined through an IEP team decision. Participation in a WE neither constitutes nor guarantees an offer of employment. The purpose of a WE is to provide support and instruction for students seeking Competitive Integrated Employment.
What are the benefits of a WorkAbility Work Experience(WE)?
Individualized pre-employment support from an SDUHSD Vocation Developer.
Development of a Training Plan that offers skill assessment, worksite analysis and measurable goals.
Built-in access to local business partners.
Collaboration among district staff, worksite staff, student and parent.
Tax-free, subsidized wages (when appropriate and as available)
If you know, or are, a student that is interested in participating in a WorkAbility supported Work Experience(WE), the steps outlined here explain the process:
Casemanager completes and submits a Work Readiness Screening. The Work Readiness Screening will serve as the student's referral to the WorkAbility program for a work experience opportunity –
Based on results of the work readiness screening and an analysis of other relevant student data (special education information, Aeries data) a determination will be made regarding the student's readiness for such a placement.
If it is determined that the a WorkAbility WE is appropriate for the student, the SDUHSD Vocation Developer will begin a work site analysis to match, as closely as possible, the student’s interests and skills with a specific work site and manager.
Based on work site analysis, specific WE goals and objectives will be developed into a Training Plan.
Trainin Plan will be developed with input from all IEP team members as well as the work site
Training will be provided to Instructional Assistants by Vocation Developers for the purpose of implementing the plan and collecting data at the work site.
School site team: teachers, Instructional Assistants, Vocation Developers will meet at least bi-weekly to review data and consider any necessary adjustments to the work plan(any proposed change in the WE goal and/or objective will be communicated to parent by casemanager)
At the end of a WE, the IEP team will determine the next step in preparing the student for Competitive Integrated Employment. This may include:
an additional WE
enrollment in another SDUHSD employment program,
focus on other transition goals and objectives, etc.
The goal of a WorkAbility WE is to provide students an opportunity to experience the employment environment with a high level of support and purposefulness. The ultimate goal for students participating in a WE is Competitive Integrated Employment. Not all students are ready for such an experience, and that’s okay; there are a number of opportunities made available through a student’s SDUHSD program that provide integrated community experiences.
If you would like to learn more about Competitive Integrated Employment, please visit these public agency websites:
If you have questions about an SDUHSD WorkAbility Work Experience, please contact:
Nathan Molina
SDUSHSD WorkAbility Coordinator