Project ACCESS has teamed up with local county school systems to offer a class, Topics of Employability, to seniors in the Russell and Tazewell county high schools.
The course is designed to help ease the transition between high school and the workforce for disabled students. “Services are very limited for this population. Our partner, The Department of Rehabilitative Services, and the local School systems saw the need to provide students with this type of support,” said Stephanie Davis, director of Project ACCESS.
Project ACCESS is a community college workforce development initiative offered by Southwest Virginia Community College. It is sponsored by the Department of Education, The Rehabilitative Administration and Projects with Industries. The initiative focuses solely on individuals with disabilities. “We often think of a disability as something we can see, the fact is the majority of the individuals we work with have hidden disabilities,” said Davis. “Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, reading comprehension, mathematical and Attention Deficit Disorder are very common, as are medical disabilities such as diabetes, epilepsy or memory problems resulting from a head injury.” Project ACCESS serves Tazewell, Dickenson, Buchanan and Russell counties. The project’s mission is to create and expand job and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities by providing job skills training, academic support and placement in the competitive labor market.
One of the ways Project ACCESS meets its mission is by offering Topics of Employability to high school seniors with disabilities. The 12-hour course assists students in gaining the tools necessary to enter the workforce after graduation. In the class students develop a portfolio including all of the information vital to begin their job search. “We help them prepare resumes, teach interviewing skills, and help them identify career interests,” said Stephanie Davis. “We also offer follow-up services to insure a smooth transition from high school to work.”
What is unique about the program is that Project ACCESS continues to monitor students after graduation. Students can meet with the Job Club that helps them continue the job search process and set students up with potential employers. The Job Club is offered in several locations and meets weekly to provide job leads and teaches skills needed to present a professional image.
The class also helps identify students planning to attend post-secondary education. “If they are interested in attending SwVCC, we provide services such as campus tours, assistance with the enrollment process, arrange tutoring services as well as monitoring their progress,” said Davis.
A student in the program commented that the class impacted his decision to attend Southwest Virginia Community College. “My dad and I came to SwVCC during the summer before classes started and met with Project ACCESS counselors. Without their help, I wouldn’t have had as easy of a time starting college. Touring the campus helped me to feel less nervous. The program has also helped me get a tutor which has really helped my grades. The advisors are always there when I need them.”
If students choose to go to SwVCC, Project ACCESS is on campus to ensure that students’ needs are met including accommodations, tutoring, and other services.
For more information about Project ACCESS, contact Stephanie Davis at 276.964.7314.