Eight Employability Skills and Community Engagement, Debbie-Ann Johnson, VCAL coordinator / teacher, Sale and District Specialist School

This workshop will give an insight into the exciting program offered to students at Sale and District Specialist School in the VCAL program. The program is designed to be meaningful and relevant in work skills and life / social learning, empowering the students with transferable skills they can use into future and engaging them with the local communities as well as the school community, in a positive partnership that not only facilitates learning but also breaks down barriers, opening many doors of opportunity for our students. Deb will show the link between community volunteer work, employability skills and self-direction. Students drive parts of the community program by deciding which activities they would like to complete and are able to work independently with most tasks. Student’s interests are taken in to consideration when deciding on activities for the group to do. She will also demonstrate how she incorporates the Film Employability with the community program.  This Film was produced by Sale and District Specialist School in partnership with our local NDCO. It highlights the eight employability skills and showcases the quality work skills people with disabilities can bring to employers. As well as demonstrating how we link our community engagement program to employability skills.