SELF-ESTEEM, ACCOMPLISHMENT AND PURPOSE:

MAKING COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT WORK

BY ARTURO CAZARES

It can be difficult for today's parents to hear, but it wasn't all that long ago that schools and communities generally had low expectations for what those with special needs could achieve, both in school and in the workplace.

This perspective is exemplified by the fact that it was only in 2022 that California – where my agency operates – began offering an alternative pathway to a high school diploma, exclusively for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY TO A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Previously, parents of a California student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) had just two options to explore how their child would complete secondary education: earning the traditional high school diploma pursued by most typical students, or

a certificate of completion. This had the unintended effect of greatly limiting many students' employment options after they transitioned out of the public school system. That's because most jobs in the community require a high school diploma. Since a certificate of completion is not a substitute for a diploma, far too many young people would face another unnecessary hurdle when searching for employment.

Now, however, California school districts are required to exempt eligible students from coursework and additional requirements beyond what is required by

JOB WITH BENEFITS: A paying job in the community can instill self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment and purpose for a person with developmental disabilities.