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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.

Bender Work-Readiness Program

Goal: Prepare students with disabilities for the world of work through a series of activities and employer-based experiences.

Delivery

4-5 Weeks

80-100 Hours of Curriculum

Mock Interviews

Employer Visits

Presentations

Skills Developed
  • Employer Expectations
  • Interview Skills
  • Self-Awareness
  • Career Exploration
  • Dress for Success
  • Teamwork
  • Health & Wellness
Outcome
  • Improved Interview Skills
  • Final Performance Recommendations
  • Increased Self-Awareness and Confidence
  • Increased Work-Readiness
  • Basic Resume
Disability Mentoring Day

Goal: Promote career development through connections between students with disabilities and employer partners.

Delivery

Single job shadowing or mentoring session with an employment partner

Skills Developed
  • Goal-Setting
  • Networking
  • Career Development
Bender Student Leaders Program

Goal: Develop public speaking and leadership skills while learning how to represent yourself professionally in the workplace.

Delivery

16-36 Hours of Curriculum

4-6 Sessions On-site With an Employer Partner

4 Presentations

Interviewing Exercises

Skills Developed
  • Leadership Concepts
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Initiative
  • Public Speaking
  • Collaboration
  • Civic Duty
  • Accountability
  • Customer Service
  • Interview Skills
Outcome
  • Business Etiquette
  • Increased Confidence
  • Improved Communication
  • Skills Identification
  • Resume
Mary Brougher Mental Health Initiative

Goal: Build strategies and skills in mental fitness and learn how to become a mental health advocate.

Delivery

Self-Paced Learning Modules

Group Discussion

Reflection Worksheets

Community Leader Engagement

Skills Developed
  • Resiliency
  • Coping Strategies
  • Self-Compassion
  • Advocacy
  • Conflict Management
  • Healthy Mind Habits
International Computer Driving License

Goal: Provide relevant employer-valued credentials in basic computer competency.

Delivery

60-80 Hours of Instructional Oversight

Online Self-Paced Modules

Skills Developed
  • Computer Essentials (hardware/software/network/ communication)
  • Online Essentials (web browsing/ communication)
  • Word
  • Access
  • Excel
  • Outlook
  • PowerPoint
  • Work Consistency & Delivery
  • Collaboration
Outcome
  • Customer Service
  • 1-7 Computer Function Certificates
  • Taskbar functionality for MS Office programs
  • Resume Enhancement
National Retail Federation Customer Service Certification

Goal: Provide relevant employer-valued credentials in customer service.

Delivery

60-80 Hours of Instructional Oversight

Online Self-Paced Modules

Skills Developed
  • Active Listening
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Work Consistency & Delivery
  • Collaboration
Outcome
  • Customer Service Certification
  • 1-7 Computer Function Certificates
  • Taskbar functionality for MS Office programs
  • Resume Enhancement
Digital Access Basics

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.

Delivery

12 Hours of Instructional Content

Skills Developed
  • Understanding how people with disabilities use technology
  • Digital accessibility basics
  • Use of assistive technology tools
  • Standard accessibility analysis tools
  • Work Consistency & Delivery
  • Collaboration
Outcome
  • Awareness of assistive technology tools
  • Knowledge of digital accessibility concepts (WCAG 2.x)
  • Resume Enhancement