SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

The Transition School-to-Work Program recently awarded the Shelby County Board of Education (SCBOE)/Special Services Department the Partnership Award for their dedication to employing disabled Alabama citizens.

The Birmingham Area Governor&8217;s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, which encourages local businesses to hire special needs students, presented the award.

SCBOE was recognized because of their outstanding contributions in the area of employment of physically, mentally, emotionally or otherwise disabled citizens of Alabama.

The Partnership Award was also presented to SCBOE for exhibiting a strong commitment to collaborating with the community through the Transition School-to-Work program.

The special services department received a grant which has expanded the opportunities for special needs students working towards a graduation certificate to gain community work experience. Financial incentives are available to the students and employers who participate in the program, which helps promote awareness and education regarding students with disabilities. The program also provides area employers with qualified individuals who can fill their job vacancies, in addition to opportunities for students to learn real-life lessons.

&8220;The Transition team has worked very hard to create the partnerships with the community and the businesses,&8221; said special education coordinator Marla Aldrich. &8220;It is a wonderful program for our students, many of which have gone on to have very successful jobs with these businesses.&8221;