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“This program highlights the benefits and advantages of Ashland including our differently-abled young adults in both the community and locally owned small businesses. Including differently-abled individuals contributes to an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community,” says Special Education Teacher Geoff Mostow.
Truly, this work experience has benefited both students and business partners. By placing differently-abled employees in their workplace, businesses have been able to promote workplace inclusion, leading to overall community inclusion. Participating students have been able to identify and develop skills required for future employment and increase their overall independence within their own community. Furthermore, customer satisfaction has improved by seeing and interacting with employees of diverse backgrounds.
Lead Teacher Cassia Ashman added, “We plan to continue building relationships and making connections with a variety of businesses to support our mission of preparing these students as they transition into adulthood.”
For more information about supporting this program, interested businesses in Ashland should contact Colleen Brewer in the Office of Student Services at (508) 881-0155.
Ashland’s LAUNCH program aims to support young adults in their next chapter
Ashland, MASS. — Director of Student Services Brittany Hawkins has been working to support individuals with disabilities for 15 years. While working in the public school setting, she has also maintained employment with a non-profit organization, where she supports an adult with multiple disabilities. In this work, she realized how critically important it is for young adults to have community connections to support their ongoing learning and independence. Seeing the positive impact of this mentorship and the right community connections, Hawkins was inspired to establish a program at Ashland Public Schools for differently-abled 18-22-year-old students to provide them with these opportunities.
With the support of the Ashland School Committee, Ashland Special Education Parent Advisory Council and district administration, the Learning and Understanding Next CHapters program welcomed its first group of students in July. Young adults in the LAUNCH program, housed at Ashland Middle School, have since been busy gaining hands-on experience by working at different businesses across Ashland, including Ashland Nutrition, Dr. Greens Indoor Golf Center, Putts & More and ReStore.
“This program highlights the benefits and advantages of Ashland including our differently-abled young adults in both the community and locally owned small businesses. Including differently-abled individuals contributes to an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community,” says Special Education Teacher Geoff Mostow.
Truly, this work experience has benefited both students and business partners. By placing differently-abled employees in their workplace, businesses have been able to promote workplace inclusion, leading to overall community inclusion. Participating students have been able to identify and develop skills required for future employment and increase their overall independence within their own community. Furthermore, customer satisfaction has improved by seeing and interacting with employees of diverse backgrounds.
Lead Teacher Cassia Ashman added, “We plan to continue building relationships and making connections with a variety of businesses to support our mission of preparing these students as they transition into adulthood.”
For more information about supporting this program, interested businesses in Ashland should contact Colleen Brewer in the Office of Student Services at (508) 881-0155.
