'Place of belonging': St. Johns program sets internships for students with disabilities

Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
·2 min read
Caleb Clayton, Zach Bower and Dylan Nicholas spent 10 weeks as interns at St. Johns County retirement communities as part of a school district career program for young adults with developmental differences.
Caleb Clayton, Zach Bower and Dylan Nicholas spent 10 weeks as interns at St. Johns County retirement communities as part of a school district career program for young adults with developmental differences.

Four young adults with developmental differences have spent 10 weeks as unpaid interns at St. Johns County retirement communities learning all about dining services, maintenance, security and manning a reception desk, among other duties.

They have been embraced by administrators and residents who have watched their progress with pride.

"These young adults have not only gained valuable work experience but have also brought a vibrant energy and fresh perspectives to our community," Vicar's Landing Executive Director Kendall Bryan said. "Watching them grow into their roles and improve their skills has been truly inspiring. Their interaction with our residents and staff has enriched our community, fostering a more inclusive environment that values diversity and the contributions of all individuals."

Intern Caleb Clayton works in dining services at a St. Johns County retirement community as part of Project SEARCH, which provides career training for young adults with developmental differences.
Intern Caleb Clayton works in dining services at a St. Johns County retirement community as part of Project SEARCH, which provides career training for young adults with developmental differences.

Zach Bower, 20, and Caleb Clayton and Dylan Nicholas, both 21, and a fourth person who has since moved on were interns as part of the St. Johns County school district's version of Project SEARCH. The nationwide program is for students with disabilities aged 18 to 21 whose goal is competitive employment. In St. Johns it is one of several options available to older special education students who receive school district services until age 22.

The program places interns at Vicar's Landing at Oak Bridge in Ponte Vedra Beach and at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. At the work sites, they rotate among various jobs to explore potential career paths.

This year's interns will soon graduate from the program with official Project SEARCH certification, a professional resume with references and letters of recommendation, as well as job placement and transition services.

Zach Bower masters his knife skills in the kitchen of a St. Johns County retirement community. He is an intern in the school district's Project SEARCH career training program for young adult students with developmental differences.
Zach Bower masters his knife skills in the kitchen of a St. Johns County retirement community. He is an intern in the school district's Project SEARCH career training program for young adult students with developmental differences.

"The interns have become integral to our daily operations, demonstrating the transformative impact of integrating young adults with disabilities into the workforce," Bryan said. "We are delighted to see them advance toward their goals of independent living and employment, and we look forward to continuing our support for this outstanding program."

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How many interns are placed varies each year, depending on funding and logistics, according to Laura Davis, the district's Project SEARCH instructor. The Vicar's Landing placement was so successful that she invited residents to start a mentoring program for future interns.

The work sites become the interns' "place of belonging," she said. "They talk about going back to visit."

Intern Dylan Nicholas polishes silverware at a St. Johns County retirement community as part of a school district career training program for young adult students who have developmental differences.
Intern Dylan Nicholas polishes silverware at a St. Johns County retirement community as part of a school district career training program for young adult students who have developmental differences.

Such relationship-building shows "progress is being made" in how the public treats people with developmental differences, Davis said. "But we still have a long way to go."

Another of St. Johns' career options for students with a disability is called the Life Work Transition Program, which provides individualized vocational opportunities, student-centered planning and community involvement. Life Work students have "nonpaid work experiences in our community," as well as classroom learning and the opportunity to take dual enrollment classes at First Coast Technical College, according to the district.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: St. Johns County sets internships for older students with disabilities