Celebrating Value and Talent at Evergreen Transition Program

Did you know that October is both National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and Disability History and Awareness Month? It’s a time to honor the remarkable contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces, communities and economy. The 2025 NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” emphasizes the importance of inclusive employment opportunities.

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Providing Jobsite Experiences That Build Confidence and Foster Growth 

Here in BSD, the Evergreen Transition Program (ETP)embodies the NDEAM mission on every day. Through strong partnerships with organizations like the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the At-Work! Agency. ETP provides hands-on jobsite training for young adults interested in employment. These experiences prepare students for paid employment and build essential workplace skills. Some of their current jobsite placements include Overlake Medical Center, Bellevue Youth Theatre, Jubilee REACH, and Bellden Cafe.  

When asked how jobsites benefit students, Vinod, parent of third-year student Gowri, says, 

Jobsite participation as part of ETP has helped my daughter gain confidence in herself and become more independent. The diversity of jobs has helped her grow in ways I did not imagine. She has learned how to engage the community appropriately and develop her problem-solving skills.

Participation in these jobsites weekly also supports students with communication skills within the larger community. 

Cole’s jobsite provides opportunities for him to acquire new skills, showcase his existing abilities with diverse individuals, and communicate effectively within the community. This experience boosts his confidence and prepares him for the transition to adulthood.

-Charmaine Napolitan, mother of Cole, third-year student

Students also participate in large bi-yearly mock interview practice with community partners like the Bellevue Rotary, the AtWork! Agency, and GoWise. Each receiving three mock interview opportunities and valuable feedback on their skills, these experiences help our students refine and generalize their interview skills.  

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Empowering Students Through Technology and Advocacy 

ETP empowers students to advocate for their needs in the workplace, including through accommodation and access to a variety of assistive technology. With support from BSD’s Assistive Technology Department, Occupational Therapy staff, DVR, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), students gain access to tools and resources that help them succeed and thrive in inclusive work environments. 

Jobsites help you in real life and give you job opportunities and give you job experience because it helps you get a job.

-Second-year student, Brady 

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New Career and Technical Education Class Expands Learning 

This year, a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) class called Career Choices is available at ETP. Two teachers pursued their CTE certification in order to teach the course, which runs three days per week. In this course, teachers Rachel Tochiki and Autumn Cutter are delivering instruction on a variety of topics such as career exploration and job skills, including resume writing, interview skills, goal setting and more.  

When asked what they are looking forward to in teaching the new course this year, Rachel Tochiki stated,

We’ve just started the semester, but it’s been rewarding seeing students explore their interest and strengths to match to a career. I’m excited to see the resumes and interviews students develop.

Another big part of this course is guiding students to dig in to their talents and interests through a series of specially designed assessments. Autumn Cutter shares,  

I am looking forward to having the opportunity to help students explore their passions and interests while also gathering information that can help guide more meaningful IEPs.

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Developing Skills for Life Beyond School 

ETP upholds the values that NDEAM represents every day. Students are working hard and seeing what is or isn’t a good fit in terms of job choices. We may not have every student’s dream job, but the sites we do have allow for students to learn and practice general skills that can be transferable to various settings beyond the school years. 

Beyond vocational training, ETP also helps prepare students with other “adulting” skills such as cooking, budgeting, social skills, communication skills and more. When asked how ETP helps prepare them for the future, second-year student, Avery, stated,  

It gives time to figure out what you want to do.

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Get Involved with Evergreen Transition Program  

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community in helping young adults with disabilities build meaningful lives beyond school. Now, we’re looking to grow — and we need your help!

Do you know a local business that believes in inclusion, empowerment and giving back? We’re seeking partners to provide jobsite training opportunities that can truly change lives. These experiences help our young adults gain confidence, develop real-world skills, and take their first steps toward independence. 

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Be a Part of Something Bigger. Help Us Open Doors. 

To learn more or to connect us with a potential partner, please contact Jen Strehle, Special Education Program Coordinator, at strehlej@bsd405.org. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community — one opportunity at a time.