TPC-Digest-Vol-3-Iss-2-FINAL31

TPC D igest I ndividuals with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) may experience greater challenges with transitioning to adulthood after completing high school due to their identified disabilities. These young adults may lack employment preparation, social skills and life skill development needed to be successful in adulthood. Therefore, it is crucial that school counselors work with teachers and other school personnel to develop initiatives within the high school environment to help students with EBD prepare for transition to adulthood. This article outlines four program initiatives implemented within a Title 1 school providing special education interventions to high school students identified as ESE/EBD (Exceptional Student Education with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities). The initiatives were developed within the context of facilitating a comprehensive school counseling program. The initiatives are grounded within the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, focused on academic, career and social/personal development. Two of the initiatives involve working within an outdoor learning environment. Specifically, the initiatives are a vegetable garden and a worm garden. A third intervention involves developing sewing skills and maintaining a clothing bank for the school. The two naturalistic interventions and the sewing intervention produce a product that is sold to generate additional funding for the program. The funds assist with sustainability and provide a stipend for the students. The final intervention Employment Preparation and Life Skill Development Initiatives for High School Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities — DIGEST Jacqueline M. Swank is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of Florida. Peter Huber is a school counselor at the A. Quinn Jones Exceptional Student Center, Alachua County Public Schools, Gainesville, FL. Correspondence can be addressed to Jacqueline M. Swank, University of Florida, College of Education, SHDOSE, 1215 Norman Hall, PO Box 117049, Gainesville, FL 32611, jswank@coe.ufl.edu. A u t h o r s 16