In a strong economy with low unemployment rates, employers are struggling to fill open positions. Unfortunately, the problem is likely to get worse in the future. SEMCOG’S Regional Forecast shows that the Southeast Michigan region will continue to face a labor shortage in the next few years. The aging of our region is an important factor. One key strategy is to grow our labor force by engaging as many “nontraditional” workforce populations as possible. These include veterans, returning citizens, seniors, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, displaced workers, and those who do not (currently) have the skills needed for today’s workforce.
Several efforts are underway to grow our region’s labor force. Southeast Michigan Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) play an important role in preparing youth and young adults for careers. ISDs are regional educational agencies that – in collaboration with local school districts – coordinate and provide high-quality services such as special education, transportation, career technical education, and adult education.
Macomb ISD serves 21 local school districts in Macomb County and offers seven specialized centers focused on helping meet the specific needs of students from all 21 districts. One of these centers – Lutz School for Work Experience in Clinton Township – helps students aged 18-26 with moderate cognitive impairment to build independence in education, independent living, and employment. Established in 1976, Lutz provides vocation-related education and life skills for about 300 students each year. Most students remain at the school for eight years while they take different programs to prepare for independent living.
Principal John Nader and Assistant Principal Nick DeVault with a Lutz School Student of the Month
Lutz Principal John Nader says, “There is no better day than when a student comes to school to say they have been offered a job.”
Lutz offers 18 different career pathways based on a student’s vision for their future. These include Custodial Maintenance, Food Preparation, Grounds and Garden, and Retail Support. Each of the 12-month programs prepares students with an individualized curriculum that teaches career-related academics, provides opportunities to practice work skills through a partnership with over 60 community businesses, and helps students access support services such as transportation through Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Lutz also offers two off-site classrooms as part of the Community Transitions program, where students have immediate work opportunities and learn life skills.
Nick DeVault, Assistant Principal says that “Our goal is to help students become independent through an unique education experience so they can forge their own path to success.”
Preparing Lutz students for success is the result of the drive of motivated students in addition to the commitment by the ISD, Board of Education, administrators, and professionals including teachers, paraprofessionals, speech and language therapists, nurses and social workers, and job coaches working in collaboration with industry partners.
Lutz Custodial Maintenance students get ready for work
Among the greatest challenges for students is finding jobs and getting to work. Because students are not able to drive, they are dependent on parents, other family members, or SMART buses where available to get to work sites. Others may use UBER or LYFT, but these tend to be too expensive for most students working part-time jobs. The school works with students, their families, local businesses, and MRS staff to identify and provide support where possible.
Food Prep program students working at Henry Ford Hospital
Don Hubler, Secretary of the Macomb ISD Board of Trustees says, “MISD is committed to Lutz and other center-based schools in the county because they recognize and build on the abilities of all students and enable them to participate in society.”
From a regional perspective, programs such as Lutz help us to build a workforce that can help fill the diverse needs of a robust economy and help individuals meet their potential. It’s a win-win situation. SEMCOG data analysis of labor force participation shows that preparing individuals with disabilities for the workforce will help increase labor force participation and economic growth in the region.
As John Nader says, “We have come a long way in recognizing the ability of students with disabilities to be a part of the workforce, but there is more work to be done.”
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