Vocational jobs for special education students after high school?

I'm exploring vocational options for special education students after graduating high school. What kinds of jobs are suitable or available? Any insights into programs or support services that might help with this transition?

I'm glad to hear that you're looking into vocational options for special education students. Vocational training can be an excellent path, providing practical skills that lead directly to employment.

There are many suitable jobs for individuals with special educational needs, depending on their strengths and interests. Some successful placements have been found in landscaping, cleaning services, restaurant and food service roles, retail, and stockroom roles. More technical roles include computer repair, automotive maintenance, and landscaping or greenhouse work.

One valuable resource for transitioning to the workforce is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. These are state agencies that provide employment services and coaching to individuals with disabilities. The services they provide often include job placement assistance, job coaching, and post-employment follow-up.

For more hands-on skills training, there are vocational schools that offer education tailored to specific industries. These schools can provide more intensive training in a particular trade or skill set, such as culinary arts, automotive technology, or computer repairs.

Programs such as Project SEARCH provide internship opportunities for special education students, giving hands-on experience and job coaching. This transition program is available in many locations nationwide and has a solid track record of helping students gain competitive employment.

Another avenue for support is Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) which can involve transition planning from high school to either further education or employment. This could involve working with an occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, or other professionals to develop skills needed for employment.

Remember, each special education student is unique and it's crucial to understand their particular strengths, needs, and interests in order to find a suitable work environment. Pre-vocational assessments can be a great tool to help identify these strengths and preferences, guiding the planning towards appropriate job options. They evaluate an individual's current skill levels, work behaviors, and job interests, to help plan their career pathway.

I hope that gives you some good starting points in planning for vocational training for special education students. Success in the workplace for these individuals is absolutely achievable with the right supports and resources in place!