As another school year comes to a close, it is a great time
to remember the importance of early career planning and discussion for students. My work here at OOD, and my experience as a
father of a son with autism, has convinced me of the importance of early and
realistic conversations about education and employment; this applies to both
individuals with disabilities and those that do not have a disability.
Thankfully, policies at the state and national level have
recognized this and are moving to emphasize reaching young people at an earlier
age to get them thinking about their education and career path.
The success stories we see here at OOD reflect this reality
as well. Jennifer Coleman, Community
Inclusion Manager at the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities,
recently highlighted a great example in Jerrid Fluor.
Jerrid Fluor, a graduate of Jonathan Alder High School and
Tolles Career and Technical Center, was the first graduating senior that
received Bridges to Transition services through OOD, and local providers, and
went on to gain employment in Madison County.
Not surprisingly, Jerrid’s journey began by exploring his
career interests while still in high school.
While receiving vocational guidance and counseling provided by his
transition team (Jackie Hines, OOD Bridges Coordinator, Patrick Kilbane,
Madison County Transition Specialist, other Board of DD staff, teachers, and
family) he had the benefit of summer employment services which helped him to
build skills and focus on his interests.
By the time of his graduation he had discovered that he enjoyed working
with people in retail settings and had gained both the hard and soft skills necessary
to achieve his goal of community employment.
Jerrid achieved that goal when he secured a job as a Courtesy
Clerk at the Rome-Hilliard Road Giant Eagle.
After nearly eight months on the job, it is clear the role is a good
fit. The work, collecting shopping
carts, keeping the front of the store clear, and greeting customers, allows him
the opportunity to be around people and help others, which is just what he
loves to do.
Jerrid’s job coach, Kim Smythe of Capabilities, commented on
his work skills: “Jerrid is a dependable worker who takes pride in his work and
works very hard to meet Giant Eagles standards.” Jennifer Coleman could tell the job was the right
one after watching Jerrid at work: “You can tell that he enjoys his job as his
smile is what every customer sees when they enter the store and on their way
out too!”
It is gratifying to see someone set a goal and work hard to
achieve it; and to see a team come together to provide the support and guidance
needed to achieve success.
Congratulations to Jerrid on his successful employment and to the
Bridges team for a job well done.
| 
