WorkReady Camp for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind in Jacksonville

Students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafBlind will have fun exploring career interests, building skills and creating a roadmap for the next five years

Join 360 Degree Academy, the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD), and the Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) for WorkReady Camp from June 25 to 27 at the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville.

WorkReady Camp is an interactive, multi-day, career assessment-based experience for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafBlind students ages 14 to 22.  Campers who use American Sign Language (ASL), language supports, and other communication modes will find the support they need to thrive.

This isn’t a “sit and watch” program; it is a career launchpad and roadmap for the next five years of their life. Instructor Charity Reedy Warigon will guide campers in:

• Discovering their strengths
• Exploring career interests
• Building independence, social connections and real tools for their future

In addition to daytime career assessments and presentations, campers will experience fun evening activities designed to build independence, teamwork and social connection. Activities will include:

• Hands-on cooking experiences to promote life skills and collaboration
• Games, movement-based activities and team challenges
• Structured group activities to reinforce communication and leadership skills
• Lots of fun!

Campers will leave with:

• A personalized career portfolio – a master file for their future
• An assessment-based resume
• Measurable postsecondary goals for education and employment that may be used to support transition planning in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and future vocational rehabilitation plan (IPE)

Families will also receive help to open a Vocational Rehabilitation case, the engine that funds their future college or vocational training. When appropriate, 360 Degree Academy will help  initiating contact with the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services to open cases. Students will not be able to participate if they don’t have their case open with Illinois DRS.

The cost is $50 per camper.

See the WorkReady Camp flyer for more details on ISD’s Facebook page.

Register for WorkReady Camp.  The deadline to apply is May 15.

For program questions, please contact jill.bruington@illinois.gov.

If you need DRS case assistance, please email contact@360degreeacademy.com.