One teacher’s perspective
Each week, students from across Chicago travel to Urban Autism Solutions’ Growing Solutions Farm (UAS), a 1.2-acre produce farm on Chicago’s West Side, where Chicago public high school transition students with autism and related disabilities gain valuable vocational skills to prepare for future competitive employment.
During Treasurer Frerichs’ recent visit to UAS, the IL ABLE team met Ray Graham Training Center Teacher Maggie Wood. She was on-site with her students for their weekly class at the Farm. She shared her experience and perspectives on helping students develop work skills at the Farm.
IL ABLE: How long have you been bringing students to UAS’ Growing Solutions Farm? How many students are currently participating?
Maggie: This is my second year bringing students to the Growing Solutions Farm. I bring my homeroom of 13 students to the farm each week, though many students from other classes at our school also participate.
IL ABLE: What are the key skills the students are developing at the Farm to prepare them for competitive employment?
Maggie: The overarching goal is for all students to gain employability soft skills that can be used in any job, such as time management, following a schedule, task completion, following directions, dressing in a work uniform, professionalism, teamwork, and workplace social skills. Additionally, food safety, tool handling, and more specific skills are gained that can be applied in real-world work environments, such as restaurants and grocery stores.
IL ABLE: Have there been any successful competitive employment placements after students have participated in the UAS program?
Maggie: Many students from our school have gained competitive employment through the Urban Autism Solutions Academy. In my homeroom last year, 3 of my students were hired and are still employed thanks to the UAS program. This year alone, I have many employment-ready students who are demonstrating their skills on the farm and working closely with UAS staff to find jobs.
IL ABLE: What are some of the challenges and the greatest rewards you have seen students experience through participating in the program?
Maggie: The greatest reward of participating in UAS is definitely seeing students gain and maintain employment with the help of the incredible staff at UAS. Another benefit is the opportunities UAS provides our students, which allow them to gain meaningful experiences and build their resumes. Students get to work with their peers and explore different neighborhoods of Chicago, all while participating in meaningful activities and gaining essential life skills. The only challenge for us would be the travel time from school to UAS. It can take up to an hour and a half each way on public transportation. Students gain travel and navigation skills through this experience, but during inclement weather and other barriers, transportation can be challenging.
Rain and shine – Maggie and her students are dedicated to growing skills for their future while growing produce for their families and the community.
Learn more about Urban Autism Solutions and its Growing Solutions Farm at http://www.urbanautismsolutions.com.
Learn more about the Ray Graham Training Center.
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