Florida students with disabilities learn about employment opportunities

From the Tallahassee Democrat in Florida:

Kiare Burke (pictured), 19, got a taste of photography during an internship he had at Florida State University. It was enough to spark his interest in a career.

A Lincoln High School graduate who will begin studies at Tallahassee Community College in January, Burke says the experience of working in a photo lab showed him what the photo business is like and also whether he might like it.

"I was able to learn more about the old-fashioned kind of photography, using the chemicals to develop the negatives and the pictures," said Burke, who has a learning disability. "I thought that was a really big help, and it's what made me want to do photography."

In Leon County and across Florida this fall, high-school students with all types of disabilities will participate in The Able Trust's High School/High Tech program that gives them the chance to explore jobs or post-secondary education leading to technology-related careers.

Through a combination of field trips, career shadowing, internships, skills training and other activities, students in the 35 programs in the state are able make an effective transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Annually, 1,500 students in Florida from more than 100 high schools participate. The program has been in Leon County for eight years. Officials say 30 to 35 students will participate locally this academic year.

"During the 2008-09 school year, 86 percent of Florida HS/HT graduates entered post secondary education, and the program experienced only a 2-percent dropout rate," said Cat Keen, Florida HS/HT state director. The number of students going on to college or other training is more than three times that of other Florida graduates with disabilities.

Susanne Homant, president and CEO of The Able Trust, which is the Governor's Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, says there is plenty of opportunity for area businesses to get involved.

Doing so educates the student, but also shows employers how effective those individuals with disabilities can be on the job, perhaps clearing up some misconceptions. "I think those experiences really do open up their eyes," Homant said.

The program is part of a national initiative that is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, but it is up to Florida to fund it. Homant said Florida's is one of the programs still in operation, thanks to help from The Able Trust and the Department of Education's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

"We target those youngsters who are on track to get a regular diploma," she said. "We are looking for outstanding participant outcomes, not just acceptable ones."

Dan Moore, director of programs at Ability 1st, the community agency that provides the program locally, attributed its success to the students having "an actual experience in doing something" that excites them about a profession.

"By providing those genuine and realistic experiences, these students are really motivated to do something after high school," Moore added.