Fresno Unified's 'Workability' program provides adults with special needs opportunity to work

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Unified's Adult Transition Program allows young adults to take big steps towards independence. They're aptly named the ATP Trailblazers.[br /][br /]Special needs students here between the ages of 18-22 are getting their first taste of work experience. To qualify for the Workability program, you must be at least 16 with a 2.0 grade point average and be able to work independently.[br /][Ads /][br /]"I'm working at 509. I do mopping, I clean the tables," Jessica Barrios works with Joseph Patino at American Legion Post 509, so they've learned to take the bus to get around town.[br /][br /]"I've been doing it for a couple of months, and I really enjoy it because they're really nice there and it teaches me a lot when it comes to job skills," Patino said.[br /][br /]In addition to helping them find work, the school also teaches the students how to wash their clothes and prepare meals.[br /][br /]"I think that's the key to being independent," said ATP manager Derrick Flake. "Being able to manage your money and that's something that every class works on."[br /][br /]Students learn the basics of shopping and also work on a simulated bank account.[br /][br /]They're also taught to budget the money they make by working a few hours a week.[br /][br /]"I actually save it," said Cameron Mao. "I'm actually saving my money to get something big that I really want to."]][br /][br /]Melissa Mills helps line up student jobs through the district's Workability program.[br /][Ads /][br /]It partners with businesses such as Blaze Pizza, Walgreen's and The Salvation Army.[br /][br /]"It is all about independence," Mills said. "It's all about making sure that they are taking control of their own lives so that they know they're capable and they're able to succeed in their future and in our community."[br /][br /]In 2018 the unemployment rate among people with disabilities was 8%, twice as high as the rate among non-disabled.[br /][br /]Johnny Ray Benavides landed a job at Piazza del Pane.[br /][br /]"We clean tables and wash dishes and do windows," he said.[br /][br /]"How do you like it?"[br /][br /]"It's pretty fun. I like it," Benavides said.[br /][br /]Businesses offer work while state grant money is used to pay the students.[br /][Ads /][br /]"It doesn't matter their mobility or how functional they are," Flake said. "They go to work sites, and they get paid."[br /][br /]311 students at the school have joined the ranks of the employed.[br /][br /]The Workability program is constantly searching for other companies to offer work because these students are ready, willing and able.[br /][br /]"They like to hire our kids because our kids always come with a smile on their face and do a good job," Mills said.[br /][br /]"As long as you respect them, they'll respect you," Patino said.[br /][br /]The Workability program is offered in many schools throughout the Valley.[br /][br /]Children First: Special and Successful airs Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on ABC30.