UA CURRENTS Offers Summer Camp for High School Seniors Who Have Disabilities

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Students in the Transition Employment Program Summer Camp toured the Arkansas Career Development Center (ACDC) and learned skills in welding. Other students who toured ACDC learned skills in culinary arts and woodworking. From left, Trey Shaffer, Connor Woods, Caleb Wilson, David Howard, ARS staffer Angala Moss, Elayna O'Neal, Judy Smith with ARS, UA CURRENTS Director Dr. Robin Freeman, Jessie Sanders and Kasi Vellucci with Arkansas Easter Seals.

UA CURRENTS, based in the College of Education and Health Professions, recently offered leadership support for a summer camp that assists rising high school seniors who have disabilities.

The Transition Employment Program Summer Camp helps students identify their skills, abilities, interests, strengths and career goals. Twenty-four students from across Arkansas participated in the camp, which was developed by the Arkansas Transition Project and the Arkansas Career Development Center. It was held June 12-18 at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs.

Students participated in paid work experiences, received workplace readiness training and created and performed anti-bullying skits. They also took classes on mental wellness, understanding the legislative process, mock interviews and dressing for success.

UA CURRENTS - which stands for Center for the Utilization of Rehabilitation Resources for Education, Networking, Training and Service - helped facilitate the camp. UA CURRENTS Director Robin Freeman provided operational, teambuilding and recreational support. The program's Hot Springs offices also served as a work-based learning site. Over four days, students inventoried training and office supplies and completed light janitorial work.

The camp was sponsored by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services' Division of Workforce Services.

"UA CURRENTS' partnership with ARS supports our vision of youth with disabilities thriving in leadership, community and employment roles," Freeman said.

UA CURRENTS' mission is to make the world more inclusive for people with disabilities. The outreach program offers customized training and technical assistance, research on best practices and customized support to organizations who work with people who are disabled.