At a recent vocational event celebration in San Jose, Grace said:

“The vocational program has given me a chance to become more independent and grow as a person and become part of the community.”

Achievekids is part of the WorkAbility I program, which is a training program for special education students, ages 14-22. The program is designed to promote career awareness and exploration while students complete their secondary education programs.

WorkAbility I provides students with opportunities for job shadowing, paid and non-paid work experience, and ongoing support and guidance from vocational personnel. WorkAbility I is administered by the California Department of Education, Special Education Division.

Students benefit from WorkAbility I by getting career exploration opportunities, work experience, a support system in making career decisions, interagency collaboration, assessment of vocational interests and aptitudes, and follow-up support upon leaving the program. These jobs are at major corporations including Borders, Dominoes Pizza, Starbucks, Target, and Blockbuster Video. Students help in stacking items, delivering direct mail and providing services to employers.