Central Virginia Community College
CVCC and LCS Recognized for Youth with Disabilities Program
The College for Living Plus receives DRS’ Commissioner’s Award
Lynchburg, VA /Media Release/ -- The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) honored Lynchburg’s “The College for Living Plus” by presenting the program with its Commissioner’s Award earlier this week at the annual Transition Forum in Norfolk, Virginia. The program, currently in its second year of operation, provides students with disabilities the opportunity to acquire skills leading to independent living, employment, and self-advocacy. The program is an innovative collaboration between Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) and Lynchburg City Schools (LCS). The program is expanding this fall to serve students from several surrounding county school systems.
The program provides over 400 hours of instruction to prepare individuals for employment in a variety of fields, mentoring to assist the students in the transition to college campus life, and an opportunity to participate in assessments and internships in local businesses. Approximately 30 students from Lynchburg City Schools have been involved in the program and the first graduating class will complete the program this spring. The classes are taught by college professors and secondary school personnel and the students receive both high school and college credits for completion.
The DRS has worked closely with the program and is working actively with the students who are
participating in the employment portion of the program. According to DRS Commissioner Jim
Rothrock, “The College for Living Plus helps students achieve positive employment outcomes and is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can be a win/win for everyone involved.”
Jim Lemons, Workforce Development Administrator for CVCC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education, and Wyllys VanDerwerker, Special Education Director for the LCS, accepted the award on behalf of The College for Living Plus. Both men were driving forces in the development of the program. Vicki Graham and Dana Koening from the LCS and Nancy Robertson from the DRS were also instrumental in the success of the program.
“We recognize a fundamental need among students with disabilities and did not let any barriers get in the way of creating a program,’ said Lemons. “The program provides support that is critical for these young men and women to successfully transition into employment.”
VanDerwerker added, “The great thing about The College for Living Plus is that not only does it empower young adults with disabilities to gain skills they need to be successful, it trains new workers for employers in the community.”
Release Date: 4:30 PM (EDT) 03/14/07
Release Number: 070314.livingplusaward
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Media Contact:
Kennan J. Meyer
Coordinator, Public Relations and Marketing
Central Virginia Community College
(434) 832-7609
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A Member Institution of the Virginia Community College System.