Workshop to help people with disabilities comes to Rochester

(ABC 6 News) – In its first year of operation, Mobile Unified Work Academy aims to help people with disabilities prepare for their careers and meet with local employers about job opportunities.

"We have career training and class training where we teach individuals with disabilities about people skills soft skills such as communication work ethic and teamwork," said employment specialist Kayley Giliberto.

Unified Work Academy teamed up with MaxAbility and Opportunity Services in Rochester for the event.

Part of the workshop includes a classroom-style learning environment where students learn through interactive activities breakout rooms and lectures.

"We’ll learn topics like how can we increase our self-esteem what does it take to be a good team member, and what good communication looks like. What about punctuality and how do I dress for work," said organizational trainer Betsy Gadbois.

"So far we are learning about teamwork kinda how to just be more self-conscious, and have more self-esteem which helps improve good eye contact a good handshake and just how to act more professional at work which is the reason why I came here," said student Jack Meurer.

And at the end, students will get the unique opportunity to go to Mayo Clinic and explore job opportunities.

"We are going to go out and observe some different employment situations. So, we have a couple of groups who will be touring parts of the Mayo Clinic and seeing what job options are available," said Gadbois.

This is one of six mobile workshops that will be hosted in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

For more information about the workshops, click here.