Access to Good Jobs for All: Evergreen Transition Program Supports Young Adults Transition Into Life Beyond High School

Did you know that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and Disability History and Awareness Month? Each October, we celebrate the incredible contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. The theme for NDEAM 2024 is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” 

BSD’s Evergreen Transition Program (ETP), lives this mission every day. ETP partners with state and community organizations like the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the At-Work! Agency to provide employment services to our young adults. Students gain hands-on experience through non-paid jobsite training across Bellevue, preparing them for paid employment. Some current jobsite placements include Overlake Medical Center, Bellevue Youth Theatre, Jubilee REACH, and Bellden Cafe. 

ETP empowers young adults to advocate for workplace accommodations, ensuring they have equal access to work environments. This includes using various assistive technology tools and resources from the BSD Assistive Technology Department, occupational therapy staff, DVR, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). 

We live in a society which values externals like outward appearance and abilities. Our son does not fit into society’s expectations nor norms. However, the staff at ETP appreciate and value our son for who he is and do their best as they partner with us to help our son reach his potential. They’ve given me hope that our son can become productive and have a future beyond school. 

-Evergreen Transition Program Parent

Community Partners Help Students Develop Job Skills 

Each year, ETP also participates in mock interview practice with community partners like the Bellevue Rotary, the AtWork! Agency, and GoWise. Last spring, 17 ETP young adults participated, each receiving three mock interview opportunities and valuable feedback on their skills. These experiences help our students refine and generalize their interview skills. 

The ETP were the best years in my son, Osman’s, school life. My son was under the tutelage and empathetic care of the program coordinator and staff at ETP. It impacted his life in many positive ways, and we are extremely grateful that Osman had the opportunity to be part of this inspiring program. 

-Evergreen Transition Program Parent 

This school year, a group of ETP students visited Davis Wright Tremaine law firm to participate in a Disability Mentorship Day. Throughout the day, Davis Wright Tremaine staff provided students with an enriching day of mentoring and networking. 

Get Involved with Evergreen Transition Program 

We are deeply grateful to our community for their invaluable support in helping us transition our young adults into life beyond high school. 

If you know of any local businesses interested in partnering with us to provide jobsite training for our young adults, please contact Jen Strehle, Special Ed. Program Coordinator, at strehlej@bsd405.org. We are currently looking to expand our jobsite opportunities!