Job Link

An Effective Practice

Description

Job Link is a program of Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential (LEAP), a Cleveland Center for Independent Living serving people in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties since 1981. A youth development and employment program, Job Link assists disadvantaged youth with disabilities in discovering their potential and planning for their future. The program instills attitudes, behaviors, and skills needed for youth to obtain and retain employment and become successful contributing members of their community. Job Link is a year round transition program providing work related and independent living skill training. It combines classroom instruction and community based training to address individual student needs and goals.

Goal / Mission

LEAP's mission is to "empower people with disabilities in making significant life choices and changes to enhance their employment and independent living opportunities." The Job Link program aims to assist students in making a successful transition from school to employment and adult community life.

Results / Accomplishments

Job Link annually serves about 100 students with developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, deafness and hearing loss. They also serve a population of students with developmental disabilities whose first language is Spanish. Students are served in 10th through 12th grade and after graduation.

From 1994-2004, the program claimed the following outcomes:

- Rate of placement of graduates into employment or training: 84%
- Average annual employment retention rate: 82%
- Rate of program completion (and completion of school year): 95%

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP)
Primary Contact
Sandra Carlson
Job Link
1468 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 696-2716
scarlson@leapinfo.org
http://www.leapinfo.org
Topics
Economy / Employment
Education / Educational Attainment
Health / Disabilities
Organization(s)
Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP)
Source
Pro-Bank
Date of publication
8/5/2005
Date of implementation
1994
Location
Cleveland, OH
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens