Workforce Connections program gives blind, visually impaired students a ‘Jump Start’ in life
The Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind (DSB), a division of Arkansas Workforce Connections, held its “Jump Start” graduation on Friday, June 23, at 1 Commerce Way. This year’s program had 12 participants from cities throughout Arkansas.
Held each year with the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind and UA CURRENTS (University of Arkansas Center for the Utilization of Rehabilitation Resources for Education, Networking, Training & service), Jump Start is a weeklong career development program for blind and severely visually impaired students. Participants gain soft skills and independent living skills during the program and receive assistance in obtaining a part-time summer job as they make the transition from high school to employment or post-secondary education.
John Kopta, a motivational speaker with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and chaplain for the University of Arkansas baseball team, gave the keynote address along with Will Lambley, an area representative for FCA who slowly lost his vision in his teenage years due to Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a rare and irreversible disease. A talent show before the graduation ceremony gave each of the students a chance to shine on stage singing, playing the drums, and reading an original poem.
Several members of DSB’s staff assisted in making the event a success.
