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COLUMBUS CONNECTS
In the Columbus Connects program, pre-employment specialists work with students ages 14 to 21 to explore what comes next after they complete high school. There is no cost for these services.
The Columbus Connects program provides pre-employment transition services to individuals with disabilities, ages 14-21 and their parents. There is no cost for this program.
This program is individualized to each person’s strengths, interests, and needs. Each participant is paired with a pre-employment specialist who will work one-on-one with them and connect them to all resources and opportunities which will aid in their transition to employment and independent life.
Columbus Connects integrates a case-management model into our larger umbrella of services to assess a young adult’s needs and begin educating families preparing them for future employment to indepedent living.
Also, Columbus staff work with the student to provide a comprehensive assessment to determine a student’s pre-employment needs, educate parents on resources, design a pre- and post-secondary transition plan, and provide or refer services on an individualized basis.
- The program participants must be between the ages of 14-21 and have a documented disability.
- The participant cannot currently be on the waitlist for Vocational Rehabilitation services
Additionally, we follow the eligibility guidelines of the Utah State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, which includes the following:
- Copy of Individualized Education Program (IEP) from a school and/or copy of 504 plan, if applicable
- Social security award letter/ confirmation of SSI benefits
- Letter/medical records from a licensed medical provider stating diagnosis of disability
- Approved USOR form signed by a licensed professional such as a teacher or school counselor
Job Exploration Counseling
Includes career exploration counseling, an interest assessment, virtual and in-person site visits to businesses within each participant’s realm of interests.
Post-Secondary Education Counseling
Introduction to post-secondary education, including tours of college and technical school campuses relevant to each participant’s interests.
Workplace Readiness
Includes practice work scenarios, practice job applications, practice interviews, resume building, and job coaching.
Work-Based Learning
Job shadowing. Short-term paid internships may be arranged at businesses in the realm of each participant’s interests with the objective of furthering relevant work experience in their career field of choice.
Self-Advocacy
Connections to various government and community resources are provided, including introductions to affordable housing and guardianship supports. Participants will be given an opportunity to speak with representatives, apply for needed services, and advocate for themselves to the best of their ability.
Participant
Testimonial
“We appreciated the wealth of information and programs available to our son, which included working on resumes, discussing employment options, and future issues such as housing. The housing issues was an unexpected, but very beneficial piece of information. We came into this program with no expectations, so I would say that we had our expectations met or exceeded. We also liked Karla’s ability to be creative with our sons’ limitations.”
Chris and Georgia S.
