Special Education

15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA  92128
Phone:  (858) 521-2800 Ext. 2216, Fax:  (858) 485-1501

WorkAbility Program

WorkAbility (WA) and Transition Partnership Program (TPP) are divisions of the Special Education Department.  These programs continue the Poway Unified School District mission of "excellence in all we do."  Although there have been many changes and much growth over the years, what remains constant is our commitment to providing quality services to our students, leading to their successful inclusion as adults in the community.  Whether it is providing that vital first paid employment experience or assisting students in developing their goals, program staff believes in the value of promoting career and technical education. 
 

What is WorkAbility Program?

The WorkAbility (WA) program is a program funded by the California State Department of Education that enables students with physical, mental or learning disabilities, ages 16-21, to gain marketable job specific skills needed in today's competitive job market.  Services available through the program include:

 

When appropriate, subsidized employment at minimum wage.

Workplace skills training

Job development/placement assistance

If you would like to refer a student who is at least 16 years of age, please use the link below to print out a WorkAbility Referral Form.  Complete the form and return by FAX at 858-485-1501 or through district mail addressed to  Special Education -- WorkAbility Program.

WORKABILITY REFERRAL FORM

WORKABILITY - MIDDLE SCHOOL (WA-MS)

The WorkAbility Middle School program is designed to empower students at the middle school level to create a personal vision and prepare them to enter high school with academic/social skills and career awareness to make informed choices.  Key components include coordinated instruction and activities that integrate school, community and the workplace.   Activities may include but are not limited to:

  • Career exploration classroom instruction

  • Career interest inventory

  • Career Day participation

  • Career portfolios

  • Developing an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP)

  • Utilizing the Internet for career exploration


WorkAbility Program

Tahira Zaki
Abraxas and Del Norte High School
Vocational Specialist
Phone: (858) 484-1180 ext. 3436
Email:  tzaki@powayusd.com

Cindy Crawford
Mt. Carmel High School
Vocational Specialist
Phone: (858) 484-1180 ext. 3733
Email: ccrawford@powayusd.com

Laura Mueller
Program Specialist
Phone: (858) 748-5900 ext. 2203
Email: lmueller@powayusd.com

Felicia Velte
Rancho Bernardo and Westview High School
Vocational Specialist
Phone: (858) 484-1180 ext. 3437
Email:  fvelte@powayusd.com

 

Michino Smith
Poway High School
Vocational Specialist
Phone: (858) 484-1180 ext. 3733
Email: mismith@powayusd.com

The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/ 504 Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com

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POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT | 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128 | (858) 521-2800