Some Nelson businesses are exceptionally supportive of L.V. Rogers students with disabilities who are looking for work experience placements.
The local high school places special needs teens in settings where they can learn work skills and social skills for meeting the public. They are always accompanied by a job coach who makes sure the job is done well.
Edo Japan in the Chahko Mika Mall is one business which is welcoming these students. Students learn to wipe tables and trays and keep the trash station tidy. Already the customers are reacting favourably and offering small tips when a student is especially helpful.
Walmart currently has one special needs student in training as a greeter, and other greeters provide invaluable modeling about how to be friendly and helpful to customers as they enter the store.
SHARE Nelson on Lakeside Drive offers payment in Share bucks to the special needs student who does janitorial work in the store once a week.
Nelson and District Community Complex is supporting an LVR special needs student who washes windows once a week there.
Suzanne’s in the Chahko Mika Mall found a job for a student with special needs who bundles hangers and hangs scarves.
All Play Pet Care and Adventures in the alley above Baker Street has provided work for a special needs student who likes to walk dogs.
The Nelson Star provides ongoing employment in the form of paper routes as well as paper shredding jobs for several students.
The Pennywise paper also provides ongoing employment where special needs students deliver their paper to local businesses in the Nelson area.
Nelson CARES Society has invited LVR special students to shred their unwanted documents.
If you have a job that you think is suitable for these teens, please call LVR at 250-354-5411. Payment of students is not necessary, but if the student becomes able to work independently at some point, payment is a fair exchange for their services.