By Sharon Salyer
Herald Writer
Laura Akers’ world began to change when she walked through the doors of Everett Community College’s student union building last year.
During a resource fair for students with disabilities, she learned where she could get help and support that could lead to a job.
Akers, a 23-year-old with developmental disabilities, sought out training as an office worker. She now works part time as a clerical worker at the Lynnwood office of the state Department of Social and Health Services, answering the phone, filing and working on the computer.
"My supervisors are happy to have me," she said.
Akers said she hopes area students will take advantage of the opportunities at this year’s transition resource fair on Tuesday. The event is for students 14 and older with disabilities. Their families, teachers and other community members also are invited.
The resource fair is for anyone with a disability that is a barrier to employment, whether it is a developmental or physical disability, a mental health issue, or disability caused by a traumatic brain injury, said Barbara Barrett, executive director of Washington Vocational Services, who is helping coordinate the event.
Now it its fifth year, its purpose is to inform disabled students and family members of the opportunities available once they leave high school. Representatives of 52 organizations will be on-hand to discuss training, housing, transportation, education, Social Security, guardianship and assistive technology, developed to meet the specific needs of disabled students.
"I know from personal experience how confusing it is for students and parents … to find out what resources are out there when a student gets out of high school," Barrett said.
"All their friends are going on to school, and your child is sitting at home saying, ‘What can I do? ’ "
More than a dozen vocational agencies will be available to answer questions on how these students can reach their goals.
Representatives of area colleges will outline the resources available for disabled students. As one example, Everett and Edmonds community colleges have a network of sign language interpreters, she said.
Speech recognition software, which allows spoken words to be displayed on a computer screen without typing them, will be demonstrated.
"It’s a relatively short event where people are going to get information and resources," Barrett said. "It will be up to them to say, ‘OK, now let me find out more about it.’ "
You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486
or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.
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