As many of you know, my 18yo son happens to have Down syndrome (as well as a couple of other medical issues). In May he graduated from high school. In June, he started his first job at a local Cincinnati chili parlor. The job was only for 5 weeks, and was part of a summer program run by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODOD). ODOD provided a job coach, and the program is not intended to lead to full-time employment with the employer. Instead, it's intended to help develop job skills, allow for the exploration of various careers, etc. But, it was a paying job ($9.50 an hour).
My son was a rock star. The job coach even commented on how he independently exhibited leadership skills with his team (there were two other participants). He also enjoyed going to work (though, like most of us, he still probably would have preferred to stay home at times).
My wife and I believe it is important to allow our son to decide what to do with his earnings (with some guidance, of course). So, what did he want to buy? See my tweet below. Yes, I know I am blowing my cover a little bit, but I could not be more proud of this young man.
My son was a rock star. The job coach even commented on how he independently exhibited leadership skills with his team (there were two other participants). He also enjoyed going to work (though, like most of us, he still probably would have preferred to stay home at times).
My wife and I believe it is important to allow our son to decide what to do with his earnings (with some guidance, of course). So, what did he want to buy? See my tweet below. Yes, I know I am blowing my cover a little bit, but I could not be more proud of this young man.