WorkAbility 1

WorkAbility I (WAI) is a grant funded transition program administered by the California Department of Education, Special Education Division. The program is for special education students ages 16 –22 years old and promotes career awareness and exploration while students complete their education program. WAI provides students with opportunities for paid and work-based learning experiences, along with ongoing support and guidance from Employment Specialists. Students receive training and assistance with their transition to work or college.

The mission of WAI is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders including students, families, educators, employers and other agencies in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to competitive integrated employment (CIE), lifelong learning, and quality of life.

Qualifications to be a Student Worker

• Students must be between ages 16-22
• Students must have an active IEP
• Job Placement Specialists will determine initial eligibility through grades, attendance, and behavior reports
• Students cannot be actively employed in order to be placed at a job site
• Student Workers under the age of 18 years old must obtain a work permit through their school site during the WorkAbility application process

Student Workers

If you are a qualified student and are interested in becoming a Student Worker, reach out to your teacher who held the WorkAbility presentation so they can get in contact with a Job Placement Specialist.

Student Workers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the job site. Workers must fill out time cards at the job site completely and accurately in order to be paid. Workers have the opportunity to open a School’s First bank account and receive their paycheck through direct deposit.

Advantages for Employers

1. Pre-screened employees who are reliable and dependable

2. Students who have been prepared for employment and are ready and eager to work

3. Professional job coaches to provide on-the-job employee monitoring and assistance

4. Low-risk, low-cost job training

5. Opportunity to influence lives

6. Future trained employees who have proven themselves

7. Local publicity for participation in our program

8. Potential Federal tax credits upon hiring

9. An employee service that works at no cost

Student Worker Group Designs

Partnerships

If you are interested in partnering with our WorkAbility 1 Program, please contact one of our WorkAbility Placement Specialists: 

1. Candace Cabrera 
   • (714) 864-4781
     • cabrera_ca@auhsd.us
2. Anjeanette La Curan
   • (714) 493-1941
     • lacuran_a@auhsd.us

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