Course Overview
The “Work Experience” course is designed to equip professionals, educators, and support staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate meaningful work experiences for individuals with disabilities. This course covers the fundamentals of work experience, including its purpose, different types, practical strategies for engaging and supporting families, and best practices for arranging and developing job opportunities. Participants will also have access to a comprehensive set of references and resources to enhance their learning.
Course Objectives
- Understand the purpose and value of work experiences for individuals with disabilities.
- Explore the various types of work experience opportunities and their benefits.
- Learn practical techniques for engaging and supporting families throughout the work experience process.
- Develop skills to arrange and coordinate work experiences successfully.
- Gain insight into job development strategies that lead to successful employment outcomes.
- Access and utilize a variety of resources and references to support continuous learning and implementation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the role and significance of work experiences in supporting the career development of individuals with disabilities.
- Identify and describe the different types of work experiences and select the most appropriate options based on individual needs and goals.
- Implement strategies to engage families and stakeholders in the work experience process effectively.
- Plan, arrange, and monitor work experiences that align with participants’ strengths, preferences, and aspirations.
- Apply job development principles to create meaningful employment opportunities.
- Utilize provided resources and references to sustain best practices and promote continuous professional growth.
This course complements other CDERP College short courses and will support the development of practical skills and knowledge for effective employment practice.