Work

 

     Is there anything more satisfying than a good day's work, done with enthusiasm and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it? An article in a recent "Peace Arch News" edition reminded me that for most everyone, but especially for intellectually and/or physically challenged young people, there is nothing better.
     Our daughter has been doing work experience as part of her high school schedule for two years now. They have mostly all been positive experiences but the point is that they were experience. As anyone will tell you, it's hard to get a job without experience but it's almost impossible to get experience without a job. That is the beauty of work experience. It takes place during the school day and helps a student figure out what they want to do in the future. Our daughter has had half a dozen of these placements and everywhere she went she learnt different skills and discovered something new about herself and the world out there. The Job Coach EA that has been accompanying her this year is especially supportive which makes the time spent out of school especially rewarding. And our daughter has met some amazing folks out in the community, eager to give her a chance at learning while working.
     If you are in the position to give a young person a job, please recognize what an opportunity that is for that person. If you are in the position to give an intellectually or physically disabled young person a job, please recognize what an opportunity that is for them and for you. You could be changing a life!