Career Connections Transition Program

Woman in wheelchair working in hospitalThe Career Connections program provides students with disabilities the extra training and support they need to become independent and successful in community jobs. The Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) partners with area schools in the Grant Wood AEA catchment area, Goodwill Industries of the Heartland, Rural Employment Alternatives, Advancement Services of Jones County and Optimae Life Services to support the program.

The program began as a grant through the federal Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services in 2001 with a primary focus of supporting students with individual education plans to learn about and get jobs that first year after high school. In 2004, school districts found the program to be important enough to continue funding after the grant ended.

School districts use special education weighted dollars to fund program activities, including job shadowing opportunities, internships and jobs. Career Connection staff also help link youth to the adult services they may need to successfully live, learn and work in their communities. Through their participation in the program, students may significantly increase the number of hours they work per week and the wages they earn per month. Many students leave Career Connections with jobs. Others go on to college.

Knowing that transition from school to work needs to begin earlier, Career Connections staff and some school districts have piloted new activities to help younger students begin to explore and enter the world of work! The future holds a number of exciting possibilities for youth and for the program.

One innovative opportunity in this partnership brings Career Connections staff, employment specialist Judy Warth, to CDD each month to participate in its new Transition Clinic.

For more information visit the Career Connections website or contact Judy Warth at [email protected].