Polaris Job Training Programs include an in-house Employability Skills Lab for students who require more intense training in pre-vocational skills including both basic employability, vocational and social/life skills.

The program’s goal is to build more independent skills through simulated and authentic work settings. The Skills Lab provides instruction for students who require the most support to learn specific work skills, work behaviors, and self-help skills. Through this program students learn the importance of positive work attitudes, quality of work, teamwork, following directions, staying on task, working independently and managing time.

The program targets high school students ages 17–22 with cognitive and/or multiple disabilities. A current IEP reflecting community-based employment as a reasonable outcome, either in a competitive or supported employment setting, is required. Also, students need to be able to complete simple vocational tasks without prompting.

Some typical work experiences could include:

• Laundry
• Housekeeping
• Floors
• Recycling
• Assembly
• Packaging
• Stocking
• General Office Work

For additional information, contact Dawn Wiant, Director of Pupil Personnel & Satellite Programming, at 440.891-7703 or dwiant@polaris.edu.

Program Resources

Syllabus

Sample Assignments

Additional Information

Teacher: Brian J. Charnigo

Email: bcharnig@polaris.edu
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Education, Kent State University
Master of Education, John Carroll University
Certifications: Education of the Handicapped (K-12); Developmentally Handicapped (K-12); School Counselor (Professional License)
Years at Polaris: 4
Industry Experience: 6 years Toledo Public Schools; 4 years Hawaii Public Schools; 1 year Shaker Heights City Schools; 1 year Cloverleaf Local Schools
Interests/Hobbies: Farming and working with the animals on my farm