Little Miss has some special needs that I have on occasion mentioned. We weren't real sure how the whole getting a job thing might go one day but we have never really pushed it.
But, recently, her OT sent me an application for a special program a local shop does. They specifically look for special needs kids old enough to work (with an age cap of 21) who would like to try a job out. They give them shifts of no more than 4 hours a time and call it an internship that only lasts for a total of 120 hours.
That sounded like the ticket for us. Rugrat was a little nervous about the idea but really wanted to try, particularly for the possibility of getting a paycheck.
So she did. I helped her apply (which basically means I started it and then read it to her and explained it so she could finish it). She had an online interview with the person over the program and then interviewed at the store with the manager.
Shortly thereafter, she had a her first day with her first shift of two hours (a typical shift while training).
To say she loves working there is an understatement. She anxiously awaits her next shift each time.
And, when she received her first paycheck last week, she decided working was awesome.
It's been great for us because we have seen that she can handle the pressure of customers and the expectations of her co-workers and boss (even if they are somewhat understanding and probably more patient with her).
And it's given her a taste of the experience of working. Previously, when we would talk about what she might like to do, she would be generally dismissive because "she didn't know how to" do this or that or run a register or whatever else. It didn't seem to matter that we kept explaining that they would train her. Now, however, she seems to understand all of that.
So, when she graduates next year, she may just be ready for the world of work after all. I don't think we were so sure before.
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