The Introduction to Supported Employment Program (ISE) is administered by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council's Yorkton Branch and held at their Partners in Employment office. The ISE program officially began in June of 2009, through funding from the Supported Employment Transition Initiative (SETI). The program is now in its second year and designed for high school students or recent graduates with barriers to enter the workforce. Transitioning from school life into employment is a process that is both exciting and difficult, and the purpose of the ISE program is to alleviate student and family stress during the difficult transition. The Saskatchewan Abilities Council along with the public and separate school boards wants to ensure that all students have the same opportunities, "We want to support young adults in reaching their employment goals and becoming contributing members of our society". Young adults are taught and provided with: vocational and interpersonal skills; social skills; life skills; assistance in securing independent living arrangements; connection to appropriate adult community resources; and supported employment services.
The Introduction to Supported Employment Program's first year was very successful, and has enabled six out of seven participants to secure and maintain employment in several forms, either through competitive or supported employment. Mike Shannon, the Transition Liaison Worker, says that "employers have been very impressed with the quality, consistency and work ethics of the students employed by them". The participants of the program are great team members and create happier work environments. Participants have gone above and beyond what was expected of them, and have been praised for their initiative, by their employers.
The success of the first year has provided program facilitators with valuable experience, which has led to several new initiatives being introduced to enhance program services. The Introduction to Supported Employment Program is now being introduced to students during their grade 10 and 11 Personal Program Plan meetings. Another new program initiative is the Computer Connect Service whereby youth are trained to teach seniors how to use computers and navigate the internet.
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council is also partnering up with the public and separate school systems to enhance community awareness surrounding supported employment services by organizing and facilitating a Transition Fair for young adults with barriers to employment. The Transition Fair will highlight the strengths of young adults with various abilities.
The 2010/2011 Introduction to Supported Employment Program is off to an amazing start. If any one is interested in participating in the Introduction to Supported Employment Program or the Computer Connect Service please contact Mike Shannon at 782-0023. We are excited to see the development of this year's program and look forward to working with everyone in our community.
