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WorkAbility I

 
OUR PURPOSE

Mission Statement

The mission of WorkAbility I (WAI) is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders, including students, families, educators, employers, and other agencies in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to employment, lifelong learning, and quality adult life.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

History of WorkAbility I

The California Department of Education completed a two-year study in 1981 that provided substantive information concerning the status of vocational programs for students with disabilities. Results indicated that these students were not adequately prepared for the labor market.

WorkAbility I was initiated in November 1981 as a pilot project to test the concept of work experience for youth with disabilities.

WorkAbility I continues interagency coordination of services that began with a September 1982 non-financial interagency agreement among the Employment Development Department, State Department of Rehabilitation, and California Department of Education.

In July 1999, a task force of WorkAbility I practitioners was organized to align the program with state and federal transition initiatives for youth with disabilities. As of August 2002, WorkAbility had funded high school and middle school programs.

Through designation as one of the ten best transition programs of its type in the United States, WorkAbility I received national recognition for its success in matching young adults with disabilities with employers who need workers.

In 2022, WorkAbility I celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Vision of WorkAbility I

The vision of the California Department of Education, Special Education Division, is to enable all individuals with disabilities to successfully participate in a program that prepares them for the workplace and independent living.

Learn about California WorkAbility I 

 

Questions families ask

How to get started

Students and families can ask their case manager about WorkAbility I or contact our team directly.

Eligibility for WAI Services

Parents, teachers, and case managers may refer students to WorkAbility I. Students and families can contact their case manager or the WorkAbility I office for program information.

Teachers and staff share program information and request referrals for student participation through staff meetings, email, forms, and other communication methods.

  1. Review eligibility. Students interested in a temporary paid or unpaid internship must meet the following criteria:
    • Good attendance, with no excessive truancies, detentions, or tardies.
    • A GPA of 2.0 or higher.
    • At least 16 years old. Students under 18 must obtain a work permit.
    • Able to work independently.
    • A referral from the student’s case carrier.
    • An active Individualized Education Program (IEP).
  2. Contact the program. The case manager contacts the WorkAbility I office to discuss the referral.
  3. Complete the application. The student meets with WorkAbility I staff to complete an application and discuss appropriate services.
  4. Begin services. WorkAbility I services begin based on the student’s needs and available opportunities.

Paid internships are limited by available funding and are not guaranteed. For information, call (619) 796-7521.

Do we get our work permits from the WorkAbility staff?

No. Check with the front office at the school you attend to find the person who issues work permits on that campus.

This only applies to students under 18 years of age.

Is WorkAbility I only for students ready for a job?

No. Career exploration and preparation can help a student work toward future opportunities.

Will every student receive a paid job?

No. Paid placements depend on individual readiness, available opportunities, and program resources.

How do we ask about participation

Contact the student's case manager or the WorkAbility I team to discuss next steps.

 

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Resources

Resources for families, students, and planning life after high school. Contact each organization directly about eligibility, services, locations, and costs.
 

Postsecondary options

 

FOR EMPLOYERS AND PARTNERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOME OF OUR PARTNERS

Thank you to the businesses, public agencies, and community organizations that partner with Sweetwater WorkAbility I.

 

GET IN TOUCH

Let’s talk about the next step.

Manuel B. Lopez
Employment Development Specialist   
Phone: (619) 796-7544
Fax: (619) 796-7545
Manuel.Lopez@sweetwaterschools.org