THE WSD POST HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
Washington School for the Deaf is working to reverse negative employment trends for the deaf and hard of hearing by offering vocational and independent living programming for both current students and graduates. The Post High School Program includes the following work experience training, tailored to students’ interests:
- Training programs offered through Educational Service District #112
- Community work experience/apprenticeship programs
- On-campus training (including food preparation; grounds keeping; maintenance; sewing and auto repair)
- Local vocational training programs (such as cosmetology, massage therapy)
- Vocational classes at Clark Community College
With the exception of vocational classes and apprenticeship programs, the training programs offered are designed for quick entry to employment: an average of 3-4 months.
Near the completion of each training program, the staff and students begin to focus on the upcoming transition back to the student’s home community. The student researches jobs in his or her home town that relate to the work experience received.
WSD staff assists in the application process, contacting the supervisor or HR department, providing on-site job coaching.
WSD staff is also available to provide post-transition support as a resource to the student and supervisor. Community services will be an integral component of the program.
Students will apply their newly-acquired skills to projects in the local community.
Below is a list of the program components for which D.E.A.F. seeks community support:
Construction Academy
Post High School students and high school students can participate in the Construction Academy that is run by the Educational Service District 112 Youth Workforce Program. Students will learn the basics of construction including measurements, area preparation, use of hand and power tools, and finally students have the opportunity to compete their own construction project.
Auto Mechanics
Post High School students and High School students explore the career of auto mechanics by developing entry-level job skills in basic auto mechanics and maintenance.
Landscaping
Post High School students and High School students learn the art of gardening including soil preparation, growing plants in the greenhouse, installing an irrigation system, building planter boxes and basic garden planning.
Culinary Arts/Independent Living Skills
Post High School students and High School explore the career of culinary arts and gain entry-level job training through hands-on experience. Independent Living Skills provide deaf and hard of hearing individuals with skills, development opportunities, and information to live independently.
Housekeeping/Hotel
Post High School students and High School receive Hotel Housekeeping work experience at a local hotel. They learn to work as a team in cleaning a variety of areas throughout the hotel.
Business Partnerships
WSD is seeking businesses with multiple locations throughout the state to provide local job training and an immediate link to future employment opportunities where graduates can apply their new “portfolio of skills”.
Funds are needed to help provide participating businesses with education on “Deaf Culture”, job coaching, on-site interpreters, no-cost ASL classes and emergency contact support. WSD will provide job coaching at the beginning of the training and as needed during the program. Businesses will have a contact person they can call for assistance when issue arise. The job coach currently does some interpreting as needed during the training program. WSD will provide American Sign Language (ASL) classes which also include some deaf culture education at no cost to the partnering business.
Other Needs
Transportation to and from the graduate’s home town
Room and board
Job search assistance in graduate’s home towns
Fluent signing staff
Staff Support (Job Coaching, ILS Instruction)
Training Equipment (Professional apparel, tools, safety equipment)
Vocational College Tuition (i.e. Beauty Schools, CAN, Apollo College)
Public Transportation (outside of WSD bus routes)