Dear Neighbors,
I had the pleasure of having Eileen Lincoln as an intern in my office this summer. One of the projects she worked on was an article about Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS). Please take a moment to read through the article below. I also wanted to share some upcoming events in the District.
Sincerely,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Inclusive Pathways to Success |
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Eileen Lincoln is currently a rising senior at Oakton High School. She completed her internship with Supervisor Palchik's office as a member of the Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program. She serves as the editor-in-chief of the Oakton Outlook, the official newspaper of Oakton High School.
"While many students with differing abilities receive quality, personalized instruction through special education programs in their local public schools, there remains uncertainty about the next steps these individuals should take after aging out of these programs. Without access to post-secondary education that is specifically tailored to their needs, it can be difficult for those with differing abilities to successfully acquire employment or enroll in more advanced apprenticeship courses. This phenomenon is frequently referred to as the disability “cliff”--once secondary schooling is complete, there are few services available to guide young adults with differing abilities toward profitable and stable career paths. However, a new trade school established here in Fairfax County displays a promising initiative for reducing the barriers surrounding differently-abled individuals joining the skilled trade workforce.
Parents, Naina Narayana Chernoff and Hope Hohmann, who have children with differing abilities, have co-founded Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS), which targets young adults living in Northern Virginia. Beginning its pilot program this fall, IPS hopes to serve as a buffer between high school and future opportunities for students with differing abilities, reducing the disparity in accessibility to skilled trade education and offering alternatives to college. IPS offers students resources to increase their career opportunities as dedicated and productive workers within our communities.
IPS serves young adults aged 18-30, many of whom may have not received a formal education since completing secondary school. Students enrolled in IPS may not be able to attend traditional trade schools due to the standardization of curriculums and the lack of trained staff to properly assist them with skill acquisition. IPS features more explicit, one-on-one education compared to larger and less student-focused programs at other trade schools, creating a more personalized educational experience for individuals.
The educational curriculum of IPS is divided into two primary portions: 40% of the curriculum is focused on hands-on training in trade skills while the other 60% is focused on social and communication strategies taught by licensed special education professionals and therapists. Their curriculum was designed by Ariel Matz, a special educator of almost fifteen years who has experience instructing students with different abilities in vocational settings.
Currently, the organization is addressing carpentry as its sole trade skill, due to the growing demand for construction workers, the flexibility in carpentry teaching methods, and the resulting gratification of producing a woodworking product. Over 2,000 construction firms, 61% reported a shortage of workers that ultimately led to project delays. This means that the work of IPS is mutually beneficial for the needs of both construction companies throughout Northern Virginia as well as people with differing abilities seeking pandemic-proof employment opportunities. IPS hopes to extend into automotive repair, landscaping, and culinary arts fields by 2025 to fit the abilities and interests of a greater margin of differently-abled people.
In addition to teaching concrete trade skills for employment, IPS also prepares students for future social and communication challenges they may face in the work environment. People with differing abilities have unique experiences in employment which contrast with those who are able-bodied, yet, the curriculum teaches students how to overcome and prevail through different circumstances. Additionally, IPS hopes to involve parents, guardians, and family members in the training process to educate them on how to serve as supportive figures for those with differing abilities, both within and outside the home.
The impact of IPS will expand past the program itself. Post-graduate support will be provided to check in with past clients and work alongside their employers to obtain more equitable application processes and accommodate working conditions. This program will forever change the lives of not only individuals with differing abilities themselves, but the lives of their family members, peers, and others within the community.
IPS is a relatively new organization, beginning its pilot program this year. Therefore, it is important that we, as a community, collaborate to support IPS for the sake of these young people throughout the County. This will allow for the expansion of the program and will permit more students to enroll with additional funding for staff members and resources. Community members can donate to IPS directly online at https://ips.betterworld.org/donate or through the mailing address (P.O. Box 2661, Merrifield, VA 22116). IPS also has an Amazon wishlist to provide necessary school supplies for students, and an Amazon Smile account that provides direct funding with certain Amazon purchases.
IPS provides vocational training for people with differing abilities that is unlike any other program in Fairfax County. These increased efforts will create further equity in employment for all citizens in Fairfax County, regardless of disability status. If you are interested in employment opportunities, IPS has three job positions available for the following school year: Speech-Language Pathologist, Carpentry Teacher, and Behavioral Assistant. For more information about how to contribute to this organization, visit https://ipstradeschool.org."
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Join Tysons Corner Center, Visit Fairfax, and FOX 5 DC for a live broadcast of Zip Trip Tysons on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 6am-11am, at The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. I will be there for the Talk of the Town segment. Come out and show your support, bring your friends, meet the FOX 5 DC morning show team, and enjoy segments featuring local businesses and community members!
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Superintendent Community Conversations |
Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting Community Conversations across the division to get to know our communities. Events will be held at the high school in each pyramid through November, unless otherwise noted below. Each Community Conversation will be held in person, allowing Dr. Reid an opportunity to better connect with participants. If you are unable to attend your pyramid's event, please consider attending another one.
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If the maker, crafter, and artisan booths are your favorite part of a farmer's market, then the Shop Local Saturday Market is for you! We have makers, crafters, artisans, and bakers from all over Fairfax County and the greater DMV to sell their unique goods at our one-of-a-kind indoor makers market! All of our vendors are locally owned small businesses who are looking to share their talent with you! come on out and see what you find Saturday, September 10th from 12-5pm.
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2022 KORUS Festival, one of Greater Washington DC’s premier community events is a celebration of the Korean American way of life, Korean heritage & culture, and the beauty of America’s diversity. The event features modern and traditional music and cultural performances, demonstrations, Korean cuisine, and much more. Performances, Food, and many interesting Vendors including Caboose will be there! Free Admission and all are welcome!
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We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello. Please feel free to email us with events you would like to be included in my newsletter.
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