Life after special education

Jerome Hodges wants the best for his son: happiness, community connections and a fulfilling job.

“I think it’s just like with any kid,” the Bothell father said. “You want to make sure as much as you can to prepare them to be an adult. With Marcus, it’s the same thing. “

Niki Desautels / The Herald

Linda Hodges (left) holds her cell phone up so her son Marcus, 22, can talk to his sister while on a trip to Alderwood Mall on Friday. Marcus Hodges, who has spina bifida and is developmentally delayed, is enrolled in programs geared to help him find a place in the work force.

However, Hodges added, “he might be older before that happens.”

A friendly young man who likes to watch “American Idol” on television, gushes over singer Kelly Clarkson and likes hanging out at the mall, Marcus Hodges, 22, has physical and cognitive disabilities.

A special education student, he graduated from Woodinville High School at 21, the legal age limit.

Finding Marcus a niche in the working world and in society is likely to take patience, time and advocacy. The Hodges family is plugged in to opportunities, and as a result Marcus maintains a busy schedule, including a self-advocacy group, bowling, track, dances, volunteer work, job training and Friday night visits to the mall.

Even so, the transition from school to the job world has been daunting.

The Snohomish County Transition Resource Fair for special education students and young adults with disabilities will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Everett Community College, 801 Wetmore Ave.

“We don’t know everything that is out there,” Jerome Hodges said.

That’s why he plans to attend the ninth annual Transition Resource Fair at Everett Community College from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Representatives from more than 50 community agencies will provide information and answer questions about their programs. There also will be a series of workshops covering housing options, guardianship, Social Security and vocational support.

The fair is geared toward special education students 14 and older, as well as their families, teachers, employers and anyone interested in disability issues.

“Getting a running start will become more of a practice over time,” said Stuart Torgerson, coordinator of the developmental disabilities division of the Snohomish County Human Services Department. “It’s just common sense.”

Snohomish County government has funding to work with about 750 disabled people. Up to 35 percent are able to work independently, and another 15 percent to 20 percent are supervised by a nonprofit agency or in a sheltered workshop.

Combined, they earned about $1.8 million in 2005.

Others, particularly those with severe disabilities, can prove challenging, Torgerson said.

But agencies such as the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are there to work closely with people who want to work.

Marcus Hodges has been getting a hand from Lynnwood-based Work Opportunities, which has helped him assess his interests and skills.

Marcus now knows what he wants to do. “It’s in my heart for sorting mail,” he said, tapping his chest.

He got a taste of it at the Snohomish County courthouse as a part of a career exploration opportunity and assessment.

Given the right opportunity, Marcus could thrive, said Lee Koshman, assessment services program manager for Work Opportunities.

“He has so much potential, and he has the personality,” she said. “People just fall in love with him, and he has the desire to work.”

Niki Desautels / The Herald

Linda Hodges (left) holds her cell phone up so her son Marcus, 22, can talk to his sister while on a trip to Alderwood Mall on Friday. Marcus Hodges, who has spina bifida and is developmentally delayed, is enrolled in programs geared to help him find a place in the work force.

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