The PVCSD prides itself on supporting students’ varied plans post-graduation. In the high school’s College and Career Readiness courses, students learn about these many paths
But few are aware of the school’s post-secondary programs for students with disabilities, including Project Search and the Transition Alliance programs.
Project Search is a school-to-work program designed to prepare young adults with disabilities for competitive employment by providing them with intensive, on-site internships at a host business. It was originally founded in Ohio at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996 to address the critical unemployment rates of adults with mental and/or physical disabilities.
Locally, UnityPoint Health Trinity employees provide mentorship, guidance and training for interns in what they describe as “an atmosphere that no classroom can replicate.” UnityPoint’s goal is for interns of the program to achieve employment in inclusive settings with coworkers of a range of abilities, maintain year-round employment of 16 hours per week and earn above minimum wage.
Pleasant Valley High School’s Project Search and TAP coordinator Melissa Dockery has helped many students develop their vocational and independent living abilities through Project Search and the Transition Alliance Program, striving for future success through these hands-on environments.
Dockery believes these pathways are instrumental to her students’ success. “Our TAP students follow many different paths depending on their personal goals.” Dockery continued, “The students who attend Project Search usually choose to work at a job in the community, some part-time, some full-time,” she said. “We have also had students take some college classes to enhance their opportunities in the workforce.”
Along with considering post-graduation goals, PV helps students reach their highest potential as current students. “Striving for excellence is not just about post-high school plans,” explained Special Education Department head Gina Meadows. “Within our program, we offer Modified PE, social skills and PV Bistro desserts and other hands-on project-based learning opportunities through Life Skills class.”
Other PV programs aiding students with special needs include PV Sparkles, an all-inclusive cheer team coached by Veronica Cox, Modified Music, a course taught weekly by Catherine Lyon and Spartan Spotlighters, a program offering an annual all-inclusive play, directed by Christina Myatt.
These programs support students for current and future success, and staff members are take pride in making students feel seen. “PV is very inclusive and our students truly feel cherished and valued,” Meadows concluded.
The special education staff encourages all students to support their peers by attending events for PV clubs and teams and by purchasing from PV Bistro and Spartan Café. Volunteering and getting involved with such programs is encouraged by department staff. “If you see a TAP student working in the building or in the community, say ‘hi.’ Strike up a short conversation to help them feel part of the community,” Dockery said.
