Workshops

Classroom and caseload workshops for students with disabilities are held at Burbank Unified School District high schools.

Specifically, workshops focus on the following:

Introduction to the WorkAbility/We Can Work Program: Workshop explaining the BUSD WAI program including classroom workshops, field trips, guest speakers & sharing of resources. Review paid work experience program, benefits of work experience while in high school, eligibility requirements, employer expectations, IDEA vs. ADA, and how to check student portal for eligibility status. Follow up live Q & A as guest speaker in classroom.

Career Exploration: As part of a career exploration workshop, students use an online program, California Career Zone, to explore career options. Students register for a free account, link to their teacher code which is given during the presentation, answer a series of 30 questions to gauge what job features are important to them, receive a list of possible jobs based on their answers, select 2 jobs from that list to write on a worksheet with 3 reasons for each job as to why that job appeals to them. The workshop also includes a brief overview of the WorkAbility/We Can Work program and requirements for job placement.

Resume Creation: Workshop covering purpose of resumes and reference pages and how they are used in the application and interview process. This covers entering basic information into online resume builder program including personal profile, school information, paid/unpaid work experience, volunteer experience, and skills/abilities. For reference pages, the workshop covers how to find a suitable reference, what information to gather, and entered information into an online reference builder program. Students are provided with Career Cruising login. Covers how to print, export, create digital versions, and email digital resume and reference pages. Discusses importance of maintaining print copies as well as digital copies of resume and reference pages on their electronic device local drive. Instructs students to periodically update resumes and reference pages. Provides students with post-workshop notes.

Self-Advocacy: Workshop on Self Advocacy reviewing BUSD WorkAbility/We Can Work program, how students are served in the program and what activities are included, job placement services (handout). Students complete a checklist and T/F assessment on their current level of self-advocacy/self-determination. Discussion included of each checklist item and T/F question and how the rules are different in high school from postsecondary training/education (NSTTAC handout) and work settings. Real life examples provided to illustrate each checklist/assessment item with students writing or describing their action steps for being self-advocates vs. relying on others to advocate. Discussion of the difference between accommodations and modifications (handout), and promotion of Foothill SELPA College Night event (handout).

Budgeting: Workshop on budgeting including viewing video Budgeting for Teens; showcasing California Career Zone website features, and completing Make Money Choices informal assessment using net annual income for minimum wage. Discusses ways to strategize addressing budget shortfalls. Surveys class attendees on careers of interest; uses average annual salaries for careers of interest in same budget program to showcase having a budget surplus at the end of each month and how having training/education beyond high school can positively impact quality of life. Shares Independent Advantage free teen financial literacy classes offered via a local credit union. Q & A time for answering student questions, and to explain how to use CA Career Zone can be utilized to focus on careers of interest that are in the income range that will support their lifestyle. Responses to student questions including topics such as postsecondary options, financial aid, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation resources, job demand, credit, loans, insurance, sharing expenses with roommates, etc.

Page updated

Report abuse