The Unicorn Children’s Foundation has announced a “virtual” Unicorn Connection – Job Club to help individuals with special needs find a career path that will lead to a successful, happy, and self-sufficient future. While this project was intended to be an in-person course conducted at the new Unicorn Connection Center, the current rules of social distancing during these unprecedented times have required the foundation to innovate and pivot to remote training opportunities for a population who typically suffers from social isolation.
National statistics reveal that 68% of persons with an intellectual or developmental disability are unemployed or underemployed despite their ability and willingness to work. These statistics are likely to increase during the current state of affairs. The Unicorn Connection – Job Club will benefit both students with special needs and employers in the community.
A diversity employment counselor will facilitate a Job Club through a 9-week session. The Job Club will provide teens and young adults with disabilities a support group to develop employment success strategies. Meetings will provide opportunities for discussion on current employment situations and problem solving. Meetings will include specific topic discussions and skill development on topics such as: identification of career preference; identifying connections and networking; resume refinement; interview skills; self-advocacy, developing friendships/social skills at work; and maintaining employment.
This program is made possible by the generous support of our grant funders: The Batchelor Foundation, Boca Rio Foundation, Boca West Children’s Foundation, and the City of Boca Raton.
