Journey to a Successful Work Experience

This series of ten lesson plans is designed to provide professionals with a structured approach for helping teenagers who are blind or low vision seek and prepare for a summer work experience. Feel free to print out and adapt the lesson plans for your needs or those of the individuals you work with.

Lesson 1: Self Awareness

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Assist the student in discussing and recording his strengths, skills, interests, and weaknesses. Materials needed: Note taking device, Internet access Introduction This lesson likely requires two sessions with students. “Today, we will talk […]

A student exploring a blood pressure cuff on his arm.

Lesson 2: Career Awareness

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose: Brainstorm careers of interest, beginning with occupational categories. Materials needed: Note taking device, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Classification System, Career Connect career exploration search Introduction This lesson will likely require two sessions with students. […]

Desk items with magnetic letters spelling career.

Lesson 3: Career Exploration

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Research career qualifications and requirements Materials needed: Note taking device, Careeronestop.org, or other online occupation browsing tool Introduction This lesson will likely require two sessions of working with students. “We have considered many […]

Small wood blocks being stacked, idea, work, and target.

Lesson 4: Action Plan

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Develop an action plan that emphasizes work experience. Materials needed: Note taking device, Internet search engine Introduction “We have been exploring your five chosen careers. Today we will develop an action plan for […]

A mentor handing a student an award during a presentation

Lesson 5: Mentors

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Use mentors to gain firsthand insight from someone working in a student’s field of interest. Materials needed: Preferred note-taking device, Internet access Introduction “Remember we have been working on identifying steps necessary to […]

Two teens working in a greenhouse picking vegetables.

Lesson 6: Planning a Summer Work Experience

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Discuss and research summer work experience possibilities regarding transportation. Materials needed: Preferred note taking device Introduction “Last session, we discussed seeking input from mentors already working in your field of interest. Now, we’ll […]

A young adult with headphones working at a computer.

Lesson 7: Personal Data Sheet

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Develop a personal data sheet to utilize when completing job applications. Materials needed: Several standard job applications, word processing document, laminator Introduction ”Last session, we talked about preparing for a summer work experience. […]

close up of keyboard with Work Etiquette on button.

Lesson 8: Workplace Etiquette

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Determine proper etiquette for possible work experiences. Materials needed: Internet search engine Introduction “You have prepared a personal data sheet and are ready to begin filling out job applications. Before beginning the application […]

Lesson 9: Appropriate Attire

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Determine appropriate attire for possible work experiences. Materials needed: Internet search engine, variety of fabric (cotton, wool, linen, polyester, etc.), iron, ironing board. If possible, taking a group of students on a field […]

A teen sitting on the porch thinking with a laptop.

Lesson 10: Job Seeking

Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Search and apply for available jobs. Materials needed: Phone, preferred note-taking device, video camera and playback equipment, Internet access Introduction “Last time we discussed proper etiquette and attire for various jobs. Today we […]