Local Program Helps Developmentally Delayed Students Find Jobs

Just like Trevor Christensen, we could probably all agree – a job is part of growing.

Christensen is not only studying at Idaho State University, but also a student under the Journeys Developmental Disability Agency.

And while the range for developmental disabilities is vast, so is the misunderstanding among employers.

“A job allows me to have a sense of purpose,” Christensen said. He’s currently working as a paid intern through the vocational program, helping Growling Gardens maintain its crop to donate to the hungry.

Journeys works with the Idaho School Board’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Region five’s vocational specialist Beau James said the purpose of this program is to help get those students ready for the impending job market by teaching them life skills through integration into the community.

“When people hear ‘disability’, it suddenly creates this barrier for unemployment,” James said. “So, we really try and get connected to employers in the community because that’s ultimately what is going to help our clients.”

James said there is a growing need for job placement among students with developmental delays. He added, the purpose is to not just place them in a workshop setting.

“That doesn’t work because each individual is unique, and what they bring to the community is very unique.”

James said the program also determines what jobs best fit these students based on their individual skills sets and passions.

Students in this program spend the summer working at various locations around the community to gather the skills they need in the long run. During this period, the students are guaranteed 20 hours of work each week, and are all paid $7.75 per hour – 50 cents above the minimum wage.

James said, within the past two years, the program has placed 24 students with long-term jobs.

Although Journeys started in Rexburg 14 years ago, it has since expanded into Pocatello, Preston, and various other communities across southeastern Idaho.

The program is funded through the Dept. of Rehabilitation.

For more information, you could visit the Journeys website here: http://www.journeysdda.com/