Learning By Doing
Sonoran Center Work Based Learning Program helps Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Gain Life Skills
The transition from high school to college or the workforce can be a difficult time for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for students with disabilities.
In collaboration with Tucson and Phoenix employers, the Sonoran Center’s Workplace Transition Program is helping students with disabilities, particularly intellectual and developmental disabilities, gain the skills and experience necessary to excel in the workplace.
The program brings Tucson and Phoenix high school students together with employers so that the students can gain valuable work experience. One of the employers is Sonoran Stitch, which has tasked students from Intermountain Academy and Amphitheater High School to work in various roles, including shipping, knitting, and fulfillment.
“They’re folding Velcro, they’re wrapping instructions around it, they’re rubber banding it, they’re labeling bags with different sizes for different products, they’re sorting things, they’re doing all kinds of things with the product,” says Erica Yngve, owner and manager of Sonoran Stitch. “And there are other miscellaneous things that they can work on too while they’re here — office work, sorting, etc.”
Through these efforts, they learn how to stick to and accomplish tasks, as well as other skills they can carry to any workplace they encounter.
“We label bags, we sometimes make Velcro fasteners and other things,” says Zoey, an Amphitheater High School student within the program. “My favorite part is trying new things.”
Yngve got in touch with the Sonoran Center after seeing the success of a similar program at Ajo Bikes. She hopes that Sonoran Stitch will help inspire other students with disabilities to feel more confident when applying for jobs. She also hopes employers will see how people with disabilities can contribute to a thriving workplace.
“I’d love for the students to know that they have the ability to work in a business such as this, and be able to get comfortable in this environment,” she says. “It's wonderful for them to develop relationships and understand, ‘Yes, I can do this, I can be an active employee in a business like this.’”
Along the way, the students also impart valuable lessons to the staff at Sonoran Stitch and to the wider community.
“It’s always refreshing to see that there’s a lot that they can do,” Yngve says. “You shouldn’t pigeonhole them in any way. There’s a range of abilities and interests, and if you just find the right spot for them they can flourish, and it’s amazing to see that.”
Looking to the future, Sonoran Stitch plans to continue the program, to provide more opportunities for students with disabilities.
“I’m hoping we can continue this on a regular basis every semester, whether it’s new students or returning students.” Yngve says. “I’d also love to provide employment for [students] that happen to either really love the work or do really well at something. I can see employing them. That would be fantastic.”