When Special Education students turn 14 years of age, the Individualized Education Program teams, with input from the students, begin to plan for the students' lives after high school. This can include going to college, seeking a job or joining the military.

During middle school and the early years of high school, the students' programs are focused more in the school and on academic classes. As students approach their senior year, their programs begin to utilize work sites as teaching environments. Special Education students are eligible to receive services until the age of 21. The amount of time spent at work sites gradually increases over that time.

All four of Madison's high schools have a point person whose primary role is to find jobs for students with disabilities. Looking for and finding these jobs for students is referred to as 'job carving'.

West High's point person, Fred Swanson, analyzes existing job descriptions and 'carves' out tasks that don't fit with the educational or salary levels of the current employees. Swanson states, "MMSD students do absolutely necessary work that frees up other employees to do higher order tasks. Everything is working toward kids being maximally employed and maximally independent in jobs they've chosen."

Marcia Ingvalson, the point person at East High, also job carves as she looks for both paid and non-paid entry level work opportunities. The non-paid jobs are typically used as "vocational assessments" where MMSD staff provide support and gather information about performance. Ingvalson reports that these "vocational assessments can lead to paid employment."

Students are provided support by trained and knowledgeable school staff to ensure that tasks are satisfactorily performed. Some students need this support long term. For other students, support can be faded out, as the MMSD will provide periodic check-in support and rely on "natural supports" from the employer.

Paul Kloos, manager at The Great Dane in Hilldale, is pleased with the experiences he has had with MMSD Special Education students. "Once they get a routine, they are some of the most punctual and reliable people. They come in and do their job without a lot of help from our staff, and job coaches are faded out. They add an aspect of character to the staff."

Tiffany Turner, an MMSD student at The Great Dane, agrees. When asked about her job, she replied, "It's good. I like making coffee. I'm going to bring my mom and brother. My dad is going to come too. He likes the coffee."

Businesses that have been the most consistent employers of students with disabilities:

• Ashley Furniture
• Badger Swim and Stix
• Café Soleil
• Cocusafe Data and Records management
• Culver's restaurant
• Eisenberg's Law Office
• Electronic Theatre Controls
• First Unitarian Society
• Fyfe's Corner Bistro
• Gordmans at East Towne Mall
• Great Dane Pub & Brewery
• Harmony House Child Care
• Hobby Horse
• Hobby Lobby
• L'Etoile Restaurant
• MadCat Pet Supplies
• The Madison Concourse Hotel
• Northeast Family Clinic
• Papa John's Pizza in Monona
• Pizzeria Uno
• Reference & Loan Library
• Seafood Center
• Starbucks
• Willy Street Co-op

West High School student Tiffany Turner with MMSD job coach Nate Bjork at The Great Dane, Hilldale.

Tiffany Turner filling water pitchers at The Great Dane.