Developing Academic Abilities

Vocational skills aren't limited to working with your hands or learning a trade. Academic abilities are necessary to complete the complex tasks of most jobs. Children with special needs should master functional academics that will help them to enter the workforce with the basic knowledge necessary to make simple calculations, communicate verbally and write.

For example specialized instruction curriculum for students with moderate to severe disabilities includes functional academics coursework in survival reading, math and understanding local geography.

Finding the Job

Not only do special needs children need to know skills related to a job, they need to know how to find that job. A pre-vocational curriculum may include instruction on job-seeking skills. These skills include how to find a job opening, where to look for one, writing a resume and interviewing for a job. More specific topics that help to build these skills include effective communication practices, using a computer to find and reach out to potential employers and how to complete a job application.

Understanding Workplace Etiquette and rules

When it comes to maintaining a job and getting along with coworkers, social skills and employment etiquette are musts. Children with special needs who have socially focused disorders such as autism may find these skills challenging to master. Pre-vocational training in interacting with other employees, treating your boss in a courteous way and being polite to customers is essential for these students before they go out into the real world. Other etiquette-related skills include the importance of getting to work on time, voice tone and volume to use while on the job, professional and personal boundaries and social problem-solving.