RSC Aids Teen with Down Syndrome Gets Job and Freedom
A team of educators, Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
(RSC) vocational trainers and supportive parents helped Aaron
Klosterman, a person disabled by Down Syndrome, obtain what
every teenager in America craves—money, motorized movement and
motivation.
The
Sidney lad was one of hundreds of teens with disabilities who
yearly make the transition from high school to employment or
college with the assistance of loving parents, RSC, school
special education teachers, work-study coordinators and
community rehabilitation programs. RSC’s Bureau of Vocational
Rehabilitation office in Lima participated in Team Klosterman.
The teen’s motorized movement, a driver’s license, came in April
2004 after he completed a driver’s education class especially
designed for people with disabilities by Capabilities, Inc., a
community rehabilitation provider (CPR). This achievement was
followed by a job (money) in July and graduation (motivation)
from Sidney High School in June 2005. RSC helped Klosterman get
his paycheck for part time work at the local Taco Bell.
Prior to employment RSC hired Capabilities, Inc. to assess the
youngster’s aptitudes and interests and find him a fitting job.
(The key to success is matching a youth’s interest to an
employer.) The CPR relied on a job coach to work alongside the
youth to be certain he mastered the job and met Taco Bell’s
expectations. Klosterman now toils “coach-free,” though the CPR
remains available for refreshers and additional job training.
The youth hopes to increase his working hours soon so he can
earn money to buy how own car—freedom!
RSC annually provides Klosterman and other youths with
disabilities more than jobs and wheels. It gives them the
independence, hopes and dreams that will fuel their futures.
