Youth Employment Solutions 2
YES 2 is a multi-week summer Program focused on career preparation by providing experience, opportunity, career preparation, and paid internships for Washington’s blind and visually impaired young people.
Why YES?
Statistics indicate that more than 70% of blind adults are either unemployed or under-employed, in jobs unequal to their education. However, evidence also indicates that blind individuals who have work experience prior to entering the labor market are more likely to be successful at defining, achieving, and maintaining their vocational and career goals.
Internships are an ideal way for students to gain work experience, as well as develop interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills valued in the workplace. YES 2 – located in Seattle, Washington – is designed to provide valuable work experience and learning to students.
Program Highlights
Accepted candidates are provided five weeks of paid work experience* at internships with Seattle-area businesses. Positions are assigned to students based on their interests, abilities, and experience.
YES 2 students learn skills in using public transportation techniques for travel to work sites and commute to their jobs independently. However, all students are “shadowed” to and from work sites by YES staff, until they have been cleared for independent travel by a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
In addition to the internships, participants spend their off-work hours experiencing residential living in the YES residence in Seattle. The YES-2 residential living experience provides students the opportunity to refine their daily living skills, such as planning, purchasing, and preparing meals, and maintaining their own personal effects and common living quarters at the YES residence. Additionally, They are encouraged to participate in community, social, and recreational activities.
While a resident, students learn and practice their Alternative Skills of Daily Living [link to ASDL page] to:
- Plan meals, make grocery lists, purchase supplies, and prepare meals
- Maintain clothing and personal effects and keep rooms clean
- Share the cleaning of common living spaces at the YES residence
- Learn and practice personal finance and budgeting skills
Students requiring extra instruction and / or assistance receive support from qualified YES staff members.
It’s Not All Work...
Social and recreational experiences are an important part of YES 2. Students are visited by guest speakers; complete community service projects; work on creative and arts projects; and enjoy other recreational activities and field trips.
Eligibility
To participate in YES-2, students must:
- Be legally blind or visually impaired
- Be able to independently meet their medical and personal needs
- Possess Orientation and Mobility skills allowing safe and independent travel in familiar and unfamiliar indoor and outdoor environments
- Be active clients of DSB’s Vocational Rehabilitation program
Acceptance is based on:
- Application and interview
- Input from the student’s TVI
- Skills assessment with YES staff
Costs
DSB does not charge any fees for participation in its summer programs. More details on YES student needs will be provided to enrolled students and families.
Past Employers
These Employers said “YES!” by providing internship opportunities to our students
- Alexis Hotel
- Alpine Hut
- Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services
- Café NOAA
- Client Assistance Program
- Dennis’s Snacks
- King Country Water Waste Division
- Li’l Anchor Child Care
- Pacific Science Center
- Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind
- Seattle Public Library
- Starbucks
- The Barking Lounge
- Third Ave. Café
- University Botanical Gardens – Washington Park Arboretum
- University of Washington Greenhouse
- Value Village
- Washington Talking Book and Braille Library
- Zeke’s Pizza
DSB is always expanding the Employers who offer internships for YES 2 students. If your organization is interested in hosting a summer intern, please contact Janet George.
Application Information
Application materials will be available online in early January. Please check back for more information.
DSB is developing more programs for teens and young adults. Please check our Workshops and Programs page, to see if there are other programs of interest to you.
Request DSB services for children, youth, or students online. Or contact us at 800-552-7103 or info@dsb.wa.gov for more information.
* Students must be eligible to work in the U.S. to participate in programs offering paid work experience.