Pathways to Careers is a Pathway to Success

The mission of the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood (LCBDD) is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to engage in activities that enrich their lives and contribute to their community. A recent initiative with Auburn Career Center truly exemplifies how community partnerships help bring this mission to life.

Auburn Career Center, in partnership with the LCBDD and other state agencies, was one of four recipients to receive a Pathways to Careers grant from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). The intent of the grant is to provide opportunities for individuals to obtain industry-recognized credentials, a new job or advance in their current job.

The program opened in May with 27 students attending seven career pathways classes, including IT Industry of the Future-Industry 4.0, Rise Up Customer Service, Automotive Basics-Torque Certification, Electrical Troubleshooting-Multimeter, Manufacturing Fundamentals, Culinary/Food Prep-ServSafe Food Handler, and Health Care-Stop the Bleed/First Aid/CPR. A significant number of students successfully passed the industry credential assessment, setting themselves up for greater success in a community job. There will be courses offered in July, a second Pathways to Careers Open House in August, and another round of courses starting in September.

Click here to access the Pathways to Careers Summer Programs 2023 Handout

A key component is the linkage to community businesses for experiences, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. If you or someone you know with a developmental disability is interested in learning more or are a business who would like to support this effort, contact julie.oneil@lakebdd.org.