Published: November 06, 2009 09:34 am      

CHS takes part in National Disability Mentoring Day

CLINTON — In observance of Disability Awareness Month, the Transition Alliance Program in partnership with the Clinton School District, hosted a National Disability Mentoring Day for Clinton High School at the Ericksen Community Center. The day was aimed at promoting economic empowerment for all people with disabilities.

Jim Ott, AEA counselor, provided a two-hour workshop for sophomores, juniors and seniors. His focus was to show students how important it is to evaluate their lives and develop and sustain the life skills necessary to survive and flourish in society.

“Realizing the importance of having formal language not just casual language is critical when communicating with employers,” Ott said. Knowing how to extend your social capital will help you do just that, he said.

Following the presentation, local employers ranging in fields from industry and construction to child/elderly care and public service dedicated their time to giving 42 students a hands-on approach to learning.

Alex Harris, transition alliance program facilitator, was “happy to have a large group of students this year.”

“It’s always exciting to see the youths’ reactions when they visit various jobs in the community,” he said.

For many, it gave them a purpose for their continuation in high school or in post-secondary opportunities.

Students who attended Mentoring Day were encouraged to utilize the resources that TAP can provide. For example, TAP can provide training scholarships that cover tuition, books, fees and required/approved equipment/supplies for becoming enrolled in a two- to four-weekday or evening program in manufacturing and non-manufacturing careers.

Clinton High School senior Teryn Reinking said, “My favorite part was when the lady (Gloria, Gloria’s Grooming) showed us how to pick up these huge dogs and put them on the table. I didn’t think I would be able to lift a dog that big. It increased my desire to become a vet tech, and I also know now how vets sometimes have to shave animals. It was really cool.”

“Three students went to AirControl to learn more about welding. The impact this made on several of these students might give them just enough direction to take more welding classes and eventually pursue a welding certificate from CHS,” says Mary Beth Kokjohn, Work Experience Coordinator for Clinton High School. “Many of the students were invited back for future job shadows and/or volunteer opportunities.”

Kokjohn and Harris thought the day went extremely well and were both thankful for the businessmen and women who were willing to take the time to offer career exploration to these students.