Programs
Readiness Programs
Work Readiness
Student Leaders
Advanced Student Leaders
Artsessibility
Career Building Programs
Digital Access@Work
Customer Service Certification; National Retail Foundation
Computer Basics Certifications; International Computer Driving License, ICDL
Education2Employment
Mentoring
Bender Mentoring Initiative
Disability Mentoring Day
Bender Leadership Academy’s Work Readiness is a program designed as the first step in a continuum of service, to prepare young adults for the world of work. Students engage in person or online in a comprehensive curriculum and series of skill building exercises. Topics include employer expectations, career exploration, dressing for success, basic resume, and interview preparation. Students use What Color is My Parachute? FOR TEENS to determine how their skills and interests can provide a starting point to help identify potential future career paths. The work readiness program uses various assessments to gauge what students know and what they have learned. Students participate in mock interviews and are scored on an objective rubric that focuses on communication, dress, and presentation marks progress. They prepare and present a final Vision Board project that builds confidence and communication skills.
Goal
Prepare students with disabilities for the world of work through a series of activities and employer-based experiences.
Delivery
4-5 Weeks Summer Program; in-person and virtual options
- 45-80 Hours of Curriculum
- Self-exploration: What Color is my Parachute? FOR TEENS
- Practice Interviews
- Presentations
- Assessments
Skills Developed
Employer Expectations, Interview Skills, Self-Awareness, Career Exploration, Dress for Success, Teamwork, Health & Wellness.
Outcomes
Improved Interview Skills, Increased Self-Awareness and Confidence, Increased Work-Readiness, Basic Resume, Performance evaluation
Goal: Promote career development through connections between students with disabilities and employer partners.
- Goal-Setting
- Networking
- Career Development
Goal: Develop public speaking and leadership skills while learning how to represent yourself professionally in the workplace.
- Leadership Concepts
- Self-Advocacy
- Initiative
- Public Speaking
- Collaboration
- Civic Duty
- Accountability
- Customer Service
- Interview Skills
- Business Etiquette
- Increased Confidence
- Improved Communication
- Skills Identification
- Resume
Goal: Build strategies and skills in mental fitness and learn how to become a mental health advocate.
- Resiliency
- Coping Strategies
- Self-Compassion
- Advocacy
- Conflict Management
- Healthy Mind Habits
Goal: Provide relevant employer-valued credentials in basic computer competency.
- Computer Essentials (hardware/software/network/ communication)
- Online Essentials (web browsing/ communication)
- Word
- Access
- Excel
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Work Consistency & Delivery
- Collaboration
- Customer Service
- 1-7 Computer Function Certificates
- Taskbar functionality for MS Office programs
- Resume Enhancement
Goal: Provide relevant employer-valued credentials in customer service.
- Active Listening
- Conflict Resolution
- Customer Satisfaction
- Work Consistency & Delivery
- Collaboration
- Customer Service Certification
- 1-7 Computer Function Certificates
- Taskbar functionality for MS Office programs
- Resume Enhancement
Goal: Develop essential competencies in the emerging field of digital accessibility, understanding the need to test mobile applications and websites to ensure everyone, including people with disabilities can consume content and interact independently.
- Understanding how people with disabilities use technology
- Digital accessibility basics
- Use of assistive technology tools
- Standard accessibility analysis tools
- Work Consistency & Delivery
- Collaboration
- Awareness of assistive technology tools
- Knowledge of digital accessibility concepts (WCAG 2.x)
- Resume Enhancement
According to Workforce Connections, workforce development is “now considered to be more than a single program or initiative. It is an interconnected set of solutions to meet employment needs: It prepares workers with needed skills, emphasizes the value of workplace learning and addresses the hiring demands of employers from the outset. The goal is to place workers in jobs where there are career development opportunities.
I just wanted to say thank you again for everything you did for Matthew this month. I am still in disbelief over what he did today. I know his skills are not at the level as most of the other students that attend, but we appreciate his being able to participate in the program. He was happy leaving every morning and still happy when he got home each afternoon. And clearly, he learned some fantastic things about himself.
Thank you for this opportunity for Alexander. He really seemed to learn a lot! I enjoyed listening in to each session, especially the graduation! We are so proud of Alexander’s growth and commitment.