October is National Disability Employment Awareness month (NDEAM). This is a
month for celebrating the value and talents workers with disabilities add to America’s
workplaces and economy. With that in mind, we celebrate the longstanding Summer
EmployAbility Program at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind with the following article.
The Summer EmployAbility Program: Building Real-World Skills for Youth
By Dave Ballmann and Jessica Myers
The Summer EmployAbility Program is a five-week experiential learning initiative that
equips young people with essential real-world skills. Held on the WCBVI (Wisconsin
Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired) campus, the program ran from June 17 to
July 26 and combined classroom learning with practical work experience to prepare
participants for greater independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Program Overview
The program kicked off with two weeks of intensive classes from June 17-28, focusing
on four key areas: Independent Living Skills, Employment Skills, Orientation and
Mobility Skills, and Community Fitness. Each student received 90 minutes of instruction
per day in each subject, totaling eight days of targeted training in all four areas. The
curriculum was taught by a diverse team, including licensed teachers of the visually
impaired, orientation and mobility specialists, career instructors, and a physical
education instructor, all supported by educational assistants. This comprehensive
approach ensured that students received a well-rounded education tailored to their
unique needs.
To put their newfound knowledge into practice, students transitioned into the role of
Limited Term Employees (LTEs) with the state of Wisconsin. From July 8-26, they
worked in various community jobs, earning stipends for 20 hours per week. Supported
by staff who served as job coaches, participants navigated their new roles with
guidance on applying the skills they had learned in class. This year’s employers
included Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), Janesville Transit System (JTS),
ECHO of Janesville, Saint Elizabeth Home and the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (WCBVI). This combination of classroom learning and hands-on
experience was a cornerstone of the program’s success, allowing students to grow both
personally and professionally.
Learning Real-Life Skills
The program, along with its dedicated directors, teachers, and staff, provided an
invaluable opportunity for young people aged 16 to 21 to gain practical experience in
real-world settings. During the initial classroom phase, we developed a range of life
skills essential for independence, such as cooking, independently navigating a kitchen,
shopping to stock the kitchen, and budgeting money for groceries. We also learned how
to write effective résumés and cover letters, and how to effectively approach an
interview and professionally speak to employers and other adults. Additionally, we were
taught how to plan bus routes and navigate public transportation systems, which
allowed us to travel independently to and from our workplaces. These lessons were not
just theoretical; they were designed to be immediately applicable, helping us build self-
sufficiency in everyday situations.
The support from teachers and job coaches was crucial. They offered personalized
guidance on when to ask for help and how to tackle challenges proactively, helping us
build problem-solving skills that are essential in both personal and professional
contexts. This approach enabled us to become more confident and capable, preparing
us for future challenges beyond the program.
Personal Experience and Growth
For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to work as
an assistant to an activities director in a nursing home. This job was not only a perfect fit
but also a deeply rewarding experience. I learned how to plan and lead activities,
communicate effectively with residents, and adapt to different needs and situations—all
while gaining practical experience in a supportive environment. Many other participants
felt similarly about their placements, finding them both fun and valuable for personal
growth.
These newly acquired skills were put to the test during a memorable moment that
stands out to me. My birthday fell on the third-to-last day of the program, and with the
independence and confidence I had developed, I independently planned the bus route
to Texas Roadhouse and traveled there, meeting my job coach and the program director
to enjoy a meal. While there, I embraced the fun spirit by riding the saddle, waving a
napkin, and recording a video to share with the nursing home residents. This
experience was not just enjoyable; it was a clear testament to how much I had grown in
my ability to navigate the world confidently and independently.
Conclusion
The Summer EmployAbility Program is more than just a series of classes or a few
weeks of work; it is a transformative experience that empowers young people to see
their potential in a new light. By blending practical skills with real-world application, the
program helps participants face challenges, meet new people, and expand their
knowledge, all while fostering independence. For anyone looking to grow, challenge
themselves, and step confidently into the future, this program is a journey worth taking.
My time in the program was truly incredible, and I wholeheartedly encourage others to
embrace this opportunity to become the best version of themselves.