23-04-2025
New high school program helps Indianola students with disabilities join the workforce
INDIANOLA, Iowa — A new program at Indianola High School is helping students with disabilities join the workforce.
The Transition Alliance Program, or TAP, is a partnership between the school district and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Other school districts across Iowa already have the program, but this is Indianola's first year with the initiative.
Indianola's TAP coordinator, Alivia Nelson, helps special education students determine what fields they find interesting to pursue after graduating from high school. She meets with students during a non-core class, like study hall, to gauge their interest.
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'I really focus on what kids are telling me that they like. I try to ask them what they're interested in. If they don't know, that's okay, and I can say here's what we've done before,' she said.
Nelson then organizes field trips to different colleges and workplaces so students can see firsthand what different professionals do day-to-day. Students also get to job-shadow and intern, while some even get offered jobs as a result of the program.
'I encourage kids if they're not really sure to go on field trips if they can because it gives them that exposure to something new that they didn't know existed,' said Nelson.
Nelson has even connected with the community by taking students to local businesses across Indianola. One of her students now works at Savor the Rise, a local cafe, and another works at Pipsy's Wee Care and Pre School, a local daycare.
The program is important for students, according to Nelson, because not only is she helping them explore their interests and see if a specific career is suited for them, but she also helps them understand and navigate employment while they're still in high school.
'Indianola is a growing school district and it's amazing for all of the students to have opportunities, but I think special education students tend to be missed for one reason or another, and it's a great opportunity for those students to get involved with some activities and different ideas that they may not be exposed to before,' she said.
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Students receive help applying for jobs, creating resumes, and perfecting interview skills. Once they secure an internship or job, she helps them understand expectations and navigate conflicts.
'Most of these kids are extremely capable of working, it's just they need to have the exposure and right support to get put in that position,' Nelson said.
Despite this being the first year of TAP, around 60 Indianola high schoolers are already enrolled. Nelson said her goal is to continue to grow the program.
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