A pilot program created through a partnership between the city and the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. is giving students with disabilities an opportunity to gain work experience.
The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department is making paid positions available to students based on their interests in different areas, said Nikki Murphy, director of sports programs.
The collaboration between the city and BCSC resulted from discussions involving a committee made up of individuals from the city, Cummins Inc. and other organizations that meets monthly, Murphy said. The committee is focused on helping provide work experience for individuals with disabilities in the community.
Positions are available to individuals ages 14 and older, with students going through an interview process, Murphy said.
Three applications have been received so far. Two are students at Columbus East High School and the third is a student from Columbus North.
Murphy said one individual who has applied has expressed an interest working in park operations, while another is seeking a job with gymnastics. Other positions also are available, she said.
“We’ve been looking at concessions, sports,” Murphy said. “Depending on what they’re looking for, there are openings year-round.
BCSC is represented on the committee by George Van Horn, BCSC’s director of special education; Bobby Van Horn, coordinator of behavior services; Jessica Vogel, assistant director of special education; and Mary Hamlin, transition coordinator and special education teacher at Columbus North.
Potential program participants are identified through their teachers, George Van Horn said.
The partnership will allow more job placements to occur, he said.
“We’ll be able to develop those skills and make a match,” Van Horn said.
BCSC has 522 middle and high school students who have a disability.
The parks department will benefit since the program increases its applicant pool, Van Horn said.
Murphy also said she hopes the pilot program will continue to grow, adding that applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
“It’s creating an awareness that we have positions,” she said. “We’re using these positions to build a process.”
Bobby Van Horn predicts the program will see success in the long term.
“Our goal is to turn this into a large, self-sustaining process,” he said.
Another benefit is that the partnership provides a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities, Murphy said.
“We want a positive outcome to come out of it,” she said.
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Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. students 14 and older are eligible to participate in a pilot jobs program with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information on jobs available or to apply, visit columbusparksandrec.com or call 812-376-2680.
Applications can be filled out and returned to the Donner Center, 739 22nd St. Students with disabilities who are interested in the jobs program are asked to let their teachers know.
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