Local businesses are being called on to partner with the Irving Wilson School to help students leaving that institution get into the workforce.
Yesterday, principal Wendy Blackman said emphasis would again be placed on a school-to-work programme to ensure that graduating students had better opportunities for employment.
Blackman, who was speaking following a birthday celebration for the school’s founder Irving Wilson, said while a lot of people declared they wanted to hire people with disabilities, they often did not know how to handle the process.
“They do not know anything about the disability or what to expect or how to interact with the disabled,” she added.
“The students . . . are afraid because this is something new to them, moving from the sheltered environment at the school . . . into the world of work – that is a big world out there.” (LK)
