A Career Fair at Lowrance Middle School

This comes to us from Bonnie Cristina, who teaches at Lowrance Middle School:

Lowrance Middle School recently held its second annual Career Fair.

The fair had more than a dozen presenters – most young adults with disabilities – who shared their stories with the students of Lowrance. They talked about their careers, volunteer activities, educational opportunities and hobbies. 

One presenter was 9-year-old with special needs whose family sells coffee products online, and all the employees have special needs. Their business is Cam's Coffee Creations. 

The objective of the day was to provide Lowrance students with a dynamic and tangible experience that facilitates a connection between their post-secondary pursuits – not only educational but recreational, vocational and personal.  

Presenters were asked to host a table and to participate in an informal meet-and-greet with middle school students, all who have moderate to severe disabilities.

Presenters were asked to have one or more of the following hands-on materials at their tables: video clips, presentation board with pictures, samples of art, employee uniforms, sports equipment, etc.

Lowrance students walked around and looked at the presentations and interacted with the speakers.  Voice output devices and symbol-based questions were available at each table so that even our nonverbal students could interact and ask questions.