FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2009
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Blind students salute business partners for Summer Transition work program with reception at FCCJ Downtown Campus

Blind and visually impaired high-school students were provided an opportunity to experience the working world this summer, with jobsites as varied as hotels, museums, a performance arena and child care centers. The Summer Transition students of the Independent Living for Adult Blind (ILAB) program at Florida Community College will host a reception on July 31, 2009, 1:30–3:30 pm, at the Downtown Campus, 101 W. State Street, Room A-1046, Jacksonville, FL, to thank business partners and job coaches who made the work experience program possible.

The students aren’t the only ones who are expressing their gratitude.

“The week-long work programs that the World Golf Hall of Fame shared with students Mark Hudson and Eduardo Limonta were truly unique and wonderful experiences,” said John Kutch, guest services manager of The World Golf Hall of Fame. “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with ILAB in this program and will continue to share these experiences with students in the future. Within the week-long program, the students displayed unparalleled work ethic, responsibility, and enthusiasm; all of which are character traits found in dedicated employees.”

The following business partners will be recognized: Atlantic Self-Storage, Holiday Inn at Nurseryfields, Chappell Child Development, Chartwells, Publix (on Jenkins Street in St Augustine and on Merrill Road in Jacksonville), World Golf Hall of Fame, Crowne Plaza Hotel, SMG Veteran’s Memorial Arena, Cummer Museum and Gardens, City of Jacksonville Special Event, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.

In addition to other adult blind rehabilitation services, ILAB offers a very popular specialized curriculum during the summer for students transitioning from high school to adult life designed to explore a variety of career interests, work ethics, social skills, computer skills, orientation and mobility skills and independent living skills.

For more information about services for persons who are blind or visually impaired, or for information regarding community business partnership opportunities, contact ILAB at 904.633.8220.