Sam Chick working at Forever Safe Farms. (Submitted photo)

LISBON – Each summer the Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC) and its transition program offers on-the-job training for students in the county with disabilities through a summer work program. Kitty Kromer, Transition and Employment Services coordinator for the ESC, organizes partnership opportunities for businesses to successfully mentor and employee individuals with disabilities by working together with agencies including Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association (MCTA).

This year’s summer program employed 22 kids placed in businesses across the two counties. The ESC’s goal is to make the experience as worthwhile and accommodating to both student and employer. Provided by the ESC is a seasonal job coach assigned to each student, as well as transportation to and from the job site.

Feedback from the businesses has been exceptionally positive. The students have been contributing well by offering businesses the means to complete tasks that often get left behind. Businesses have also indicated the rapport with staff has been great, noting they will miss the kids when the program ends this season.

As for the students, they are acquiring skills needed to live a successful life while also enjoying the workplace environment. Some note liking best the concept of meeting new people, while others are looking forward to the paycheck. The ESC job coaches feel the kids have shown tremendous improvement in skills such as taking initiative, being more independent, and communicating with staff.

“This program is a stepping stone to the world of work,” said Kromer. “The idea is to understand what it is like to have a job. To get up in the morning, pack a lunch, and be somewhere on time each day,” she said.

Many of the students in the program are still in high school, giving them an opportunity to participate in the program for at least two seasons. For the older participants, the ESC offers additional services such as support with resume writing and assistance in finding permanent employment. Additionally, once hired, the students are provided with a job coach ensuring the placement is right for both themselves and the business.

While the summer work program is open to students ages 14 to 22, the transition department also offers assistance and support to individuals with disabilities ages high school to 65 and over. Businesses who would like to thoughtfully partner with this program should contact Kromer at 330-424-9591 or kkromer@ccesc.k12.oh.us.

Businesses who offered services to students this summer include Calcutta Busy Beaver, Marc’s in Boardman and Salem, Calcutta Area YMCA, Small Wonders Daycare, Forever Safe Farms in Salem, The Brightside Project, United Local Schools, BrightPet Nutrition in Lisbon, Giant Eagle in Calcutta and Salem, and the Davis YMCA in Boardman.