Boise State students in the Providing Exceptional Education and Raising Standards (PEERS) program are set to receive more dedicated employment support with funding from the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services.
The funds are part of a $7.8 million grant that benefits multiple Idaho institutions of higher education that house programs for college-aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The grant provides for a statewide coordinator to oversee competitive integration employment specialists at the institutions, as well as job coaches to provide on-the-job support.
According to Jeremy Ford, associate professor in special education and PEERS program director, PEERS students are employed in a variety of jobs in the service and technical industries.
“The competitive integration employment specialist will work with employers to establish new collaborations and strengthen existing ones,” said Ford. “The position will also allow for a more person-centered approach with students, identifying students’ preferred work settings and needs. Peer job coaches will be essential for providing on-site, hands-on support, while gaining experience creating accessible work environments.”
Students in the PEERS program earn a Certificate in Community and Career Readiness Studies. The program, and similar programs at other universities, give young adults with learning and developmental disabilities the opportunity to earn college credit and build life skills while attending on and off-campus activities with others in the program.