Vocational

Students receive age-appropriate career awareness instruction throughout their time at MSAB. As students reach transition age, they participate in structured career education courses that include:

• Identifying interests and strengths

• Exploring career categories and job requirements

• Understanding education and training pathways

• Learning employment trends

• Completing job applications and resumes

• Interview preparation

• Workplace expectations and job retention skills

Students also learn how their visual impairment or additional disabilities may impact employment and how to request appropriate accommodations and technology.

Students develop foundational pre-work skills that prepare them for future employment, including:

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Work-related vocabulary

• Following directions

• Cooperation and teamwork

• Communication

• Positive work attitudes

These skills are reinforced both in the classroom and in structured vocational settings on campus.

Beginning at age 14, students may participate in supervised on-campus employment opportunities based on their interests and abilities.

Work experiences may include:

• Assembly and packaging tasks

• Greenhouse operations

• Library and administrative support

• Technology lab assistance

• Cafeteria support

• Braille production tasks

• School recycling programs

Students may also apply and interview for after-school employment opportunities such as snack bar workers, recreational assistants, and music accompanists.

Students have IEP goals related to work skills and money management. Progress is monitored through the MSAB Work Skills Evaluation and updated each semester.

Students age 16 and older may participate in community-based employment with support from job coaches.

Work sites may include:

• Restaurants

• Retail stores

• Libraries

• Nursing homes

• Nature centers

• Childcare settings

• Community recreation facilities

Students are matched with job placements aligned with their interests. Employers and staff collaborate to ensure appropriate supports and accommodations are in place.

Students develop IEP goals related to employment, money management, and travel skills. Work performance is evaluated regularly to support continued growth.

Students participating in vocational programming are evaluated using the MSAB Work Skills Evaluation Checklist. Data is collected on:

• Work habits and attitudes

• Social and communication skills

• Job-specific skills

• Work tolerance

• Environmental and adaptation needs

This information informs IEP goal development and transition planning. Students rotate through different work settings to gain diverse experiences and strengthen their employment readiness.