Partnerships Lead to Improved Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
We must do better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018, the employment-population ratio was 19.1% among those with a disability. This is compared to 65.9% for those without a disability. Did the folks in the back row hear us? We must do better.
As educators, we are always looking for ways to increase the number of students with disabilities who leave school with a plan for their own success. Whether that plan is going on to college, the military, or into the work force, students need to leave high school with the skills and knowledge for the next phase of their lives.
Here in the midlands of South Carolina, we enjoy the challenge of developing creative programming for students with disabilities. One project we love to brag on is Building Occupational Opportunities in the Midlands (BOOM). BOOM is a regional partnership designed to increase career readiness and employment for young adults with disabilities in their last year of high school. With grant funding by a Workforce Innovation grant through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, 3 groups of 15 students will attend a semester long course where they receive their OSHA-10 certification, basic construction skills, and the opportunity to interview and be hired by over 30 companies. An additional group of 15 will take an advance construction course in the spring of 2020 where students will focus on HVAC repair and other advanced construction skills. The final class offered through the grant will be a Special Events Assistant where students will learn the basics of catering and working in the field of hospitality and food service. All students who meet the criteria will also receive training as a forklift operator. The goal is to continue these programs once the grant is complete.
 This innovative project developed from the partnership and planning from lots of organizations including; School Districts 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties, Richland 1 and Richland 2, Midlands Technical College (MTC), South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (SCVR), Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA), Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina (BIA) and others.
The key to the success of this project, beyond the hard work of our amazing students, is the partnerships developed through the various agencies. We need help with paying for workboots and job coaches? SCVR is ready to assist! We need business partners for job interviews placements? MEBA and BIA are there, ready to call in our business partners. We wanted the students to have the experience of being a technical college student? MTC was there with the instructors and the classroom. Students needed extra assistance and transportation? Each school district provided a classroom assistant and transportation to MTC. Each partner has made a commitment to BOOM and it has paid off.
 This program is an example of how partners working together results in better outcomes for students. Your students may not be interested in construction. Your community may have a greater industry need. That is OK! Find the need, find the partners and make it happen! Our students deserve it!
“I never thought I would have a chance to try construction, but I am so thankful it has happened. I’m thankful for my teachers who have helped pull a passion out of me.” Azante’ D. (2018 BOOM Graduate)
“BOOM was a great learning experience. I felt like a college student. It gave me new opportunities to learn about construction skills, power tools and job site expectations.” Deiontay B.
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