Today's Speaker

 

Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) Transition Services is a service for students with disabilities who are post high school age (18 – 26).  Michigan is the only state in the U.S. who educates students up to the age of 26.  Our mission is work with students, based upon the goals of their individualized education plan (IEP), in the areas of adult living skills, employment skills, and community participation so they are able to be as independent as possible in their lives.  To help students prepare for any future work opportunities (volunteer or paid) we teach students the traits required to be good employees.  The current unemployment and under employment statistics for persons with disabilities is 90%.

 

My name is Dave Sturm and I am one of four (4) Adult Transition Teachers at LESA.  Each teacher started the school year with 25 students with a variety of disabilities.  Our classes are taught in model that resembles a community college.  Each teacher is responsible teaching 10 classes during the course of the week.  We teach from 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning and from 12:30 to 2:30 in the afternoon.  Students learn to follow a schedule and utilize a calendar (paper or electronic).  Once students arrive at school they utilize public transportation (LETS) to travel town for community-based instruction and for work training in the community.

 

My name is Jennifer Trackwell and I am the Vocational Specialist for Adult Transition Services.  I find vocational training opportunities to teach employability skills in our community. Teaching these skills within a business setting produces optimal result for student achievement.

LESA job coaches facilitate teaching job skills and expectations by performing tasks unique to community businesses.

We are always looking for community partners to assist in providing vocational training and would love to have your business partner with us. Contact info:  jennifertrackwell@livingstonesa.org