Local Youth Learn Job Skills

Jeremy Fine, Service Manager for Koenig Equipment, Inc. explains to
Darke County youth what type of training and skills are needed to work on and
maintain the latest agriculture and lawn and garden machinery.

Finding a job can be a challenge. For someone with a developmental disability, it can be even more difficult. However, thanks to the Summer Youth Work Experience hosted by the Community Employment Services (CES) division of the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DCBDD), and several local businesses, those challenges can be overcome.

CES teamed up with Bob Evans, JAFE Decorating, Inc., Koenig Equipment, Inc. and Walgreens this summer to provide Darke County high school students with the opportunity to learn what skills and qualities employers are looking for in their workers. The business tours were a great way for the youth to discover many different career fields and the skill requirements for each, whether it be advanced training to work on equipment at Koenig Equipment Inc. or artistic and detail oriented skills needed for painting glass at JAFE Decorating Inc. The youth also learned that people skills and customer service are the priority with employers such as Bob Evans and Walgreens.

Other Darke County employers provided hands-on practice to build work skills. Youth experienced working at Anthony Wayne Early Childhood Center, Arcanum Public Library, Brethren Retirement Community, Tri-Village High School and Woodland Heights School. Students also participated in classroom-style learning about work-related skills including how to make a positive impression, inter-personal communication and interview skills.

Ohio’s Employment First Initiative seeks to improve collaboration between agencies such as Departments of Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Education and Job and Family Services and the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. The goal is to increase meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The Summer Youth Work Experience program arranged by Community Employment Services provides an important first step on the path to meaningful employment. Collaboration between the DCBDD/CES and local businesses can have a profound impact by providing a person with disabilities the chance to utilize their skills and abilities to be an asset to not only the employer, but also the chance to be a contributing member of the community.

For more information, or for businesses interested in partnering with the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities, call Erin Clark, Community Employment Services Director, at (937) 548-9057. You can also log on to www.darkedd.org to learn more about services the DCBDD has to offer.