Helping the disabled prepare for adulthood: St. Louis Special School District / Missouri.

Understanding the realities facing disabled high school graduates, an innovative teacher in the St. Louis Special School District initiated a program to help the disabled prepare for life after school. The program, founded in 1978 and involving 20 businesses and organizations and the school district, resulted in St. Louis Special School District being named the Missouri state winner in the 2007 National Civic Star Award competition.

The teacher who initiated the Career Training Program realized that many disabled students were unable to transfer academic skills learned in class to the real world, and few were receiving hands-on, work-related training. Of particular concern was a pervasive belief that these students were largely unemployable and at best could be served in local sheltered workshops. Disabled students were leaving school unprepared for the real-life transitions that most nondisabled students take for granted, such as acquiring skills needed for budgeting, managing a household, preparing simple meals and learning the skills necessary for paid, competitive employment.

The partners in the program recognized that graduation can be a scary time, especially for students with disabilities. The adults who helped them through school are gone. College may not be in their plan or be a realistic option for career preparation, but they still must find job training. Transportation is a challenge, especially if they can't drive. Many continue to live at home long after their nondisabled peers have moved out, delaying independence.

This problem was not unique to St. Louis Special School District. Large numbers of students continue to leave school nationwide only to become unproductive and unsuccessful.

Current research on disabled students shows:

* The dropout rate among students with disabilities is 33 percent nationwide, far above the average for the nondisabled, according to a federal report. Each year just 25 percent of disabled high school seniors nationwide graduate with a diploma.

* The percentage of disabled graduates who were employed one year or more after graduation was 29 percent.

* The average wage was $4.35 per hour.

* Significant numbers live at home with their parents.

The same report indicates that disabled students are less likely to drop out and more likely to work after high school if they receive work-related training before they leave school.

The district's Career Training Program is designed to help students age 17 or older and their families as the students strive to make a successful transition into adult life. Students in the program learn while working as volunteers at nursing homes, community centers and universities. They get to explore various jobs with these potential employers.

Students also receive functional instruction from a full-time Career Training Program teacher and a teacher's aide in areas such as conducting job searches, appropriate work behaviors, personal and social maturity and independent living skills. They are able to earn a high school diploma while gaining skills to help them find and keep a job that matches their career goals. Along with the teacher, employees at the work site serve as supporters for the student trainees, providing them with guidance and evaluating their work performance.

Students are urged to use the skills they learn in every aspect of their lives. This requires parents to be involved to oversee the independent achievement aspects of the program and to provide guidance without taking over the task. Students are encouraged to find part-time employment and take over their own finances. They open bank accounts and make their own purchases. They are encouraged to do their laundry, make simple meals and help with various chores at home.

This past year students at one work site were honored as Volunteers of the Month and received the work site's Presidential Volunteer Service Award. In 2005-2006, about 25 percent of the 120 students involved in the program were taught to use public transportation to travel to school. Of the 57 students who returned in the fall of 2006, about 20 have after-school jobs, while others found summer employment.

As a side activity, several students traveled with their teachers to the Missouri State Bowling Tournament in Joplin, Mo., where they received gold medals. A number of the more-accomplished students have been featured in worksite publications and local daily newspapers.

Among the program's graduates in 2006, 32 percent were employed on or before graduation. This percentage is down from past years when the rate was as high as 60 percent. More from this past year's class were expected to have jobs as the year progressed. Of those who did not have jobs at graduation, 80 percent were looking for work, and 14 percent were volunteering. Nine percent were hired by program partners. Ninety-four percent of the employed program graduates were earning between $6 and $8 an hour, 83 percent had medical insurance, and 55 percent traveled to work using public transportation. The program is benefiting students, employers, the community and society at large.

For more information, contact Superintendent Peter Kachris at [phone] or by e-mailing pkachris@ssd. k12.mo.us. His mailing address is St. Louis Special School District, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.