Seattle Parks and Recreation Teen Programs

Description

The Able Teens (TAT): Washington Initiative for Supportive Employment (WiSe) and the Seattle Parks and Recreation have partnered the past three years to offer an out-of-school time vocational training program for teens between the ages of 14 and 19 with developmental disabilities. This is a free job readiness program which develops and utilizes person-centered plans, incorporates a variety of vocational related training and volunteer work experiences and provides leadership opportunities in hopes that each participant will be more independent and ultimately obtain an hourly paid position. In addition, TAT provides information about other additional resources that could benefit the TAT member and/or their family.

Examples of previous volunteer work experiences include sorting books at a neighborhood library, organizing donations at a food bank, preparing and serving snack to elementary aged children, providing light custodial work at a community center and assisting with set-up and clean-up of community events. Examples of previous vocational related training include resume writing, interviewing skills, financial literacy, time management, effective communication, meeting with a variety of professionals and visiting local businesses and organizations.