On Wednesday May 1st, 2019 the Bucks IU hosted their annual EmployAbility Expo. Held at the Bucks IU’s Administrative Building in Doylestown PA, this event drew over 100 Bucks County high school students with disabilities who were interested in practicing and developing the confidence, skills, and strategies they will need to obtain and retain employment in today’s economy.
The morning began with Robyn Gross, Bucks IU Education Marketing Lead, serving as motivational keynote speaker to set the tone, get the students to relax, and help focus them so that they could each get the full benefit of the Expo. The interactive presentation stressed preparing and practicing with a take away message about making positives out of any mistakes so that they get turned into a learning experience. Breakout sessions were then offered to support and train the students in areas such as strategies on finding a job, professionalism, workplace etiquette, and how to create critical job documents such as résumés and portfolios.
Each student also had the opportunity to participate in at least three practice job interviews with volunteer personnel from area businesses and
organizations. The students gained valuable hands-on experience on how to comport themselves in a professional manner while answering various standard questions. Upon completion of each interview, the students were given immediate feedback on how well they did.
Our sincere thanks to the following businesses and organizations for supporting this important event by providing the outstanding interviewers for the students:
AHEDD
Altman Management Group
Bucks County Department of Mental Health/Developmental Programs (MH/DP)
County of Bucks
Dun & Bradstreet
ECRI Institute
ESS Mission One
Excel Home Care
Flatiron School
Indian Creek Foundation
Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center
JBT Corporation – Automated Systems
Juno Search Partners
Lenape Valley Foundation
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Oldcastle Precast
Operant Coffee, LLC
PA CareerLink Bucks County – Bristol
Pennridge School District
Premier Brokerage Services, Inc.
SEPA SHRM
Sesame Place
SPIN
UPS
YMCA of Bucks County – Doylestown