|
The Ability Center’s Next Steps Summer Program Prepares
Youth for Adulthood
Special to The Truth
The Next Steps Summer
Program is a component of The Ability Center’s Life Skills
Program that prepares young adults for life after high
school. This unique program offers students the opportunity
to stay on the campus of the University of Toledo for five
weeks where they master everyday tasks such as cooking,
cleaning, and laundry in a dorm setting.
Students are employed at
local businesses and organizations where they build on
professional skills. Participants also get paid for their
work in the program. Program participants are typically
juniors, seniors, or recently graduated students with any
disability.
Students must have goals
of attending post-secondary education, obtaining competitive
employment, or living independently in the community. Not
only do students get an inside look at college and the
working world, they connect with other peers and create
lasting friendships.
Socialization and
recreation are also parts of the program. Activities are
planned throughout the summer including go carts, bowling,
and attending a Toledo Mud Hens game. There is a fee to
participate in the program, although scholarship money and a
sliding scale fee may apply.
During the first week of
the program, students participate in classes including job
readiness, soft skills for the workplace, interview
preparation, and independent living skills. Guest speakers
provide information on various topics including transition
to college or career, personal financial management,
self-confidence, and tips for accessibility in the community
and college settings. Recreational activities are planned by
the students for every night of the Next Steps Summer
Program.
Students also have paid
work experiences at local companies and organizations in the
community. Program participants will reside in a residence
hall Sunday through Thursday on the campus of the University
of Toledo. There is a $500 fee for the housing component of
the program. Scholarship money is available. Contact The
Ability Center for more information.
Trevon Sanford was one
such student this summer. Trevon, a student at the Summit
Academy during the academic year, spent his summer at the
Sylvania Area Family Services Program where Dottie Segur is
the executive director and Brianna Geer the job coach.
Trevon’s duties included assisting camp directors with
various activities including reading, games and outdoor
projects.
“I want to go to college
and military and own my own business someday,” says Trevon
of his future plans.
Desmond Burkhalter was
also a student in the Next Steps Summer Program this season.
Desmond, a student at Scott High School spent his time
working at the Toledo Museum of Art under job coach Leah
Whitacre. His duties included assisting with drop-in art
classes as well as grant-funded preschool programs. He says
his favorite part of his duties was working with the kids.
Next Steps Summer Program
is a five-week independent living and employment program
helping students with disabilities achieve goals of
attending post-secondary education or training leading to
competitive employment. Participants must be a junior or
senior in high school.
The Ability Center is a
non-profit Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving
northwest Ohio. The Ability Center believes in and supports
equitable and inclusive communities for people living with
disabilities. The mission is to assist people with
disabilities to live, work, and socialize within a fully
accessible community.
The Ability Center serves
the seven counties of Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, Fulton, Henry,
Defiance, and Williams. The Center offers seven unique
programs that support people with disabilities. The Ability
Center 5605 Monroe Street, Sylvania, OH 43560 • 419.885.5733
abilitycenter.org ™
|
