I Can
The I CAN WORK Project:
We believe that everyone has the power to make the world a better place. So by empowering individuals with Special Needs to be productive members of our society, we are in fact strengthening their self-confidence. At the same time, we are nurturing their spirit, as well as stimulating their productiveness to eventually become financially independent. This frame of mind will bring the world into an advanced outlook where job opportunities will be ensured at equity to everyone.
Breaking Barriers
Seeking employment as an adult with special needs is a real challenge. Barriers to employment come out from the lack of awareness in the community as well as shortage in trust and patience from the employers.
Objective
People with special needs possess faculties which can give added values to any venture. The integration of people with Special Needs brings much significance in the working world. It is an essential condition to an equal participation in society with the concept of diversity, promoting enthusiasm and reducing negative aspects are the main objectives.
Our Beliefs
Out of our belief that adults with special needs have the right to explore what it means to be an adult and to contribute to their society, the I Can Work program, developed by Step Together Association and funded by Open-minds Association, is designed to integrate students with special needs in real workplaces in the near community, under the supervision of a direct coach and coordinator.
Programs
This program is geared toward adult students between the age of 16 and 18 years. It helps in providing job-matching and training, tailored to the student’s individual abilities, interests, and productivity. It intends to equip the students with job-readiness skills and ways to be successful at work through real work experiences, related readings, and post reflections.
This program gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of adults with special needs and help them find a meaning to their existence. They have so much to offer to the community, if given the opportunities, even when the tasks seem difficult. In short, he program teaches them responsibility, where the end results are a source of pride.