The B.E.S.T committee welcomed students with special needs and their parents to an informational resource fair providing details on business and education for students in transition (B.E.S.T).

The first half of the event featured a panel of experts who offered details on how to effectively assist each student in their transition to life after high school.  Afterwards, students and their parents had the chance to explore and evaluate more than 45 vendors offering a variety of services available to students throughout this transition.  These services offer guidance and support to individuals in their search for employment, housing and community involvement to ensure they will have a successful lifestyle after high school.

“All people regardless of disability have the right to work and play in the community,” Helene Levine, a B.E.S.T committee panelist  from Jewish Vocational Services, said.

The B.E.S.T committee stressed the importance of starting the process of researching, evaluating and exploring the many opportunities that are available to the students early in their high school careers.  With the guidance of the dedicated teachers in the special education department, every individual is offered the chance to explore their interests, preferences and skills necessary to reach their goals.  By providing internships, job shadowing and personal support, the department is confident each student will find their niche.

“The goal is to provide a tool kit to move forward successfully,”  Elizabeth Howes, a prevocational coordinator and special education teacher at Niles North, said.

Though it may be hard for the department to watch their students move on from Niles North, there is great reward and contentment in knowing that each individual will leave with the skills needed to create an independent, successful and happy life.