Detroit Public SchoolsVI Summer Program

for Secondary Students

Meeting Students’ Needs Beyond the Classroom.

Presenters:Ken FergusonCarol Walker

History of the Program

Over twenty years ago, the VI professionals of DPS and leadership from the BSBP recognized a need that was notbeing met for our secondary students. Some of our students were graduating without experience, or even exposure to employment. Because of that, many of them were having a challenging time transitioning into adulthood. We felt this was an unacceptable problemand something had to be done.

The SolutionAfter some debate and deliberation, the VI teachers and O&M staff felt that we knew our students strengths and weaknesses better than outside entities, and we could address their individual needs based on a working history.

Often, there just is not enough time in the school day to spend quality time on issues outside of academics. Thisprogram gave us an opportunity to address some needsin the expanded core curriculum. Being able to do that offers a better chance at transition success.

Our Vision

To guide and teach secondary students with visual impairments the necessary skill set to be employable and independent upon graduation.

Areas of concentration include:- Activities of Daily Living- Soft Skills (employability skills)- Technology

ADLOne of the major components is daily living. We recognized that many students lacked not only the ability to independently make food without using a microwave, but also did not make healthy choices when choosing what to eat. So, instead of just focusing on how to prepare and cook food, we study nutritional value as well. We also try to incorporate the use of a budget while shopping.

TechnologyWhat are some requirements for obtaining a job?

- Filling out an application.- Providing a resume.

Not only do we work with VI specific technology, but we incorporate resume development into it as well. Each year that students attend the summer program, they update their resumes. So, by the time they spend four or more summers with us, they are able to convey their experiences and abilities.

Tech Cont’dWe have to give thanks to the MDE-LIO for providing us with technology experts that come to our training program and provide expertise and assistance with teaching VI specific tech. Whether it is JAWS, Zoom Text, or becoming more proficient with the Braille Note, it is always a great benefit.

Soft SkillsTeenagers are used to behaving a certain way with friends in school and with their family. But, they typically are unaware of proper employment etiquette. If you were to observe a session of this class, you could see students engaged in role-playing situations they may encounter on a job site. We also practice filling out applications and interviewing. There is a concentration on employability skills like professionalism, respect, punctuality, and dress code.

Soft Skills Cont’d“I’m going make $600 this summer?! I can’t wait to buy some new shoes, a couple video games, a tablet, and hit the mall!”

Time for lessons on savings. For the last couple years, we have visited a TCF branch for information on savings and various account types. It was surprising to see how engaged the students were and that they walked away from the trip with a slightly different view on abruptly spending money. We even had students open their own savings account after this trip.

Student Criteria

In order to benefit from everything the program has to offer, students must meet certain requirements:

- be fourteen years old to get a work permit- register with Michigan Works- attend orientation and all training sessions

prior to work- attend all Fun Fridays

Roles of OrganizationsDPS – Organization of students, staff, building use, jobs, teaching

materials, plan orientation, trips, ensure activities and jobs are meeting vision needs, etc.

BSBP – Obtain grant from RESA, collaborate with other organizations,find jobs, fund transportation and trips, employ job coaches, pay wages for some students.

YES – Register students for payment, vet jobs, follow up with BSBP .

MDE-LIO – Provide instructors to co-teach the technology component of the two-week instructional period.

Roles of StaffTeachers – Conduct classes regarding soft skills, ADL, technology and recreation.

COMS – Work with students on transportation routes from home to job sites.

Job Coaches – TVI’s who follow students throughout their employment and coordinate with employers to ensure a successful experience for all parties involved. They also work closely with YES in providing accurate time sheets and student payroll.

BSBP Coordinator – works regularly with DPS staff throughout the program to ensure funding and assist with coordinating activities.

BudgetFunding comes from three main sources:

- BSBP- Wayne RESA- MDE-LIO- Detroit Public Schools

DPS funds some of the teachers salaries for the program. It also houses the two-week instructional portion.

Wayne RESA provides a grant to cover some of the expenses.

MDE-LIO provides instructors for our technology classroom.

The BSBP is instrumental with supplying a large portion of the budget. They pay for job coach salaries, transportation, our Friday trips, and even some of the students get paid by the commission if they do not qualify for YES.

Student Payment

We conduct an orientation every year which connects students with Youth Employment Services, a part of the Detroit Employment Solutions Corp. (an affiliate of Michigan Works). Our goal is to get each student registered prior to actually starting the instructional two week portion.

The orientation meeting with parents, students, BSBP, community members, teachers and administrators is an excellent chance for us to communicate directly with each other and connect faces to names. It allows us to lay out the summer expectations.

JobsQ: How do we procure jobs that fit the abilities and personal qualities of our student’s individual needs?

A: We pound the pavement! Many of our jobs come from the simple, but time-consuming, task of introducing ourselves to potential employers. Whether we are out to lunch and speak with the manager/owner of the business, or we make a special stop in what appears to be a good fit for our students. For example, the local supermarket or pharmacy.

We also approach students to find out their interest in jobs that are offered to give them options. That way they have input for where they will work. Certainly, we take student travel abilities and job proximity into consideration while determining job assignments.

Examples of Current and Past Job Sites- Doctor offices- Golf courses- Restaurants (Fuddruckers and Café Deville)- Grocery store- Pharmacy- Schools/Offices (secretarial and janitorial)- Samaritan Hospital- Henry Ford morgue- Pewabic Pottery- Greening of Detroit-Buffalo Soldiers-Camps (GDABVI and Bear Lake)

It’s Not All Work…Every Friday we have off-site learning opportunities. We try to have a good mix of leisure/educational trips.

Various colleges – over the years we visited community colleges as well as universities in the area. We have also visited community education facilities, such as Focus Hope, that provide vocational training.

The Federal Reserve and TCF Bank to help students understand money and the economy.

Bowling, goal ball, canoeing, fishing, self-defense/martial arts, and Joe Dumars facility for rock climbing, and other physical fitness opportunities.

Timeline of ProcessSept/Oct – DPS and BSBP meet to discuss successes/challenges of previous

summer.Nov/Dec – DPS staff meet to discuss potential students and jobs for next summer. Begin contacting former employers and brainstorming possible new employers.Jan/Feb – DPS and BSBP meet to list upcoming participants, evaluate student

performance, discuss jobs, search for new employers.March – Continue to meet and update topics. Continue to seek out new employers. Draft letters to potential employers and parents. Coordinate with YES to vet jobs.April – Guarantee a building, send out letters to parents/students about program.May – Crunch time! Students, jobs, and trips should all be set.June – Finishing touches, orientation, instructional program begins for students.July/Aug – Work, work and more work. Friday field trips.

Video Clip of Program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKKThrvapFQ&feature=BFa&list=PL1F0B74C8C30906BC

Letter of Interest to EmployerDear Employer,

Thank you for your interest and support of students with visual impairments. We are excited that you may be part of our team this year! If you have not worked with our program in the past, allow me to explain a few points which may clarify some of what we will be doing this summer.

The Visually Impaired Program of Detroit Public Schools, in collaboration with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, has developed a comprehensive work transition program that teaches students fourteen and older the skills necessary to succeed in the work place. We concentrate on employability skills such as following directions, collaboration, professionalism and punctuality. There is also an emphasis on how to perform the job while accommodating for a visual impairment. As educators, we feel it is imperative that our students are ready and able to enter the work force upon graduation from high school if they so choose.

The summer program is broken up into three components:- A two-week education portion which focuses on technology, independent living skills and soft skills related to work situations.- On-site job performance (regularly monitored by teachers/job coaches)- Fun Fridays (weekly educational/entertaining trips)

As a business/community supporter, your part is integral to our success! We strive to meet each student’s needs and interests with diverse choices in employment. While some will be better suited to an outdoor setting, others may fit better in an office environment or restaurant. We certainly keep their interests, abilities and vision needs in mind when determining job placement.

One question we get frequently is, “How do the students get paid?” The majority of our students are paid through the Yes Foundation, which is in conjunction with Michigan Works. Also, some students are paid through the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. There is no financial commitment from the employer. Essentially, you will be receiving a volunteer for more than a month of work through the summer!

With community supporters like you , we have been able to make this program a success for more than twenty years. Thank you for your support and dedication. Someone will be in contact with you soon, but feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Employer Thank You LetterDear Ms. ________,

It is hard to believe winter is on the way. It seems like it was just last week that we were finalizing the details of our summer work program. In fact, that is why I am writing – to say thank you for your participation in our Visually Impaired School-to-Work Summer Program. The teachers and staff of the Detroit Public Schools Visually Impaired Department are committed to providing exceptional learning opportunities for our high school students. What our students learned about employment and responsibility this past summer is such an intricate part of becoming a contributing part of society. But, this would not be nearly the success it is without the support of business owners such as you. Because of your willingness to participate with our program, you helped show our students with special needs that they have what it takes to be a contributing citizen for the Detroit community. Again, thank you and I hope you will consider partnering with us again next summer.

Questions/Comments/Notes