My Transition Story:From Student to a

Proud School District Employee

LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD August 7, 2018

My name is PJ Swan.

I grew up in Lodi schools.

Now I work for Lodi Unified School District.

I have worked as a CaPROMISE Job Assistant for 4 years.

I love selfies!

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I celebrated my 25th birthday in May!

My co-workers gave me gifts and cards.

I really appreciated the birthday lunch.

My school years, I spent a lot of time in the hospital and traveling to San Francisco to see special doctors.

My parents were so worried about me. I was a very sick baby. I could not eatby mouth, talk or walk.

I have Cat Cold Eye Syndrome.Extra Chromosome 22.

Thank goodness I was so cute!

High School

I went to McNair High School and then to Needham West Adult Center.

I volunteered on campus.

I worked in the office. I liked these jobs.

Everyone knew me at McNair High School and Needham West!

I participated in many WorkAbility activities and had 3 paid work experiences.

Preschool Elementary

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I started at Lawrence pre-school and attended Victor Elementary School to learn new skills.I was considered legally deaf and blind.

Hey, I learned sign language! Good for my resume.

I attended Morada Middle School.

I had many surgeries. These were some tough times.I got my cochlear implant at age 14.

I began leading all of my IEP meetings.

I made a PowerPoint for every meeting and shared what I felt was important in my life. I began to have many people at my meetings! They liked my PowerPoint!

I wanted to share what I like, my goals and what I wanted to learn at school.

I always wanted to work.

I wanted to make my parents proud of me.

In April 2018, I ran my own meeting for the Regional Center and shared what support I need. I think the Regional Center was surprised!

I want to leave to drive!

Young Adult Program 18-19

WorkAbility II liked the lessons on how to dress for an interview and to be more professional for the office. I learned about my disability and what supports would help me on a job.

I did volunteer work in district classrooms.

I tried many jobs to see what I liked best:Asparagus FestivalGoodwillCVSMarshall’sLodi USD Payroll Department Superintendent's Office (She loves me) Valley Mountain Regional Center. They

wanted to hire me!7

My goal was to work and try many jobs to see how I liked them.

Young Adult Program 20-22

Transition Partnership Program

• I attended TPP Job Club and Boot Camp

• I learned how to get and keep a job

• I made a resume and practiced interviewing

• The staff helped me learn self-advocacy skills and encouraged me to become a student leader. I spoke at conferences and was Joey Travolta’s assistant at Film Camp two times.

• TPP helped me get a paid internship with Lodi USD and apply for a job.

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My career goal was to work in an office and with students.

HIRED! Full-time.8 hours a day, 191 days. That took some time to get used to working a long day. Getting my District I.D. badge was so exciting.

I completed an application to work.

Got called for an interview. It was a hard one with a big panel.

My internship, lots of work experience and practicing self-advocacy.

My goal was to work for Lodi USD.

My steps to obtain a living wage job…

Having a job has helped me to:attend union meetings, vote for new officers and I also get to pay union dues.pay for my own health insurance.

arrange my own transportation to get to work.

have my own UBER account!

have my own Discover Card, which I use carefully. Sometimes we go out to lunch or dinner. I know how to tip too.

no longer receive Social Security. I earn my paycheck.

learn how to take care of my implant so I can travel for work.

As a Job Coach Assistant:

As a job coach, I show other students “step by step” instructions to complete tasks.

In the community I have worked with students at retail stores, the Lodi festival grounds, and many community businesses.

As a Job Coach Assistant:

I work in our offices keeping attendance, sorting mail, filing, answering phones and running errands.

I keep the office organized. Everyone is always calling my name for help. Now they also text me!

PJ, PJ, PJ…

Where is PJ?

What Helps Me At Work• Being on time – keeps me from

getting anxious.• Set routines for part of the

work day.• A clipboard to keep a checklist

of my work duties.• Clear directions.• Being able to ask questions.• Watch and listen to see how

my co-workers complete their work.

• Taking a quiet break.• Being able to have regular

snacks during the day.

Student-Led IEP Workshop at WarmLine Family Resource Center

I get my paycheck and go shopping! I pick my own outfits (cute but professional) and pay for them.

I do lots of chores. I keep a calendar, schedule for the day and stay organized.

I get ready for work by myself. I am always on time. I have the best smile and always happy.

I like to spend time with the girls (my co-workers).

I also like to spend time with my brothers and other friends.

What Makes Me Happy!

I have been fortunate that I was able to participate in WorkAbility, TPP and now I

work for CaPROMISE!

This is our CaPROMISE team and my incredible coworkers!

I am part of this giant state team!

I spoke at the Bridge to the Future III

There were 1,000 people in the audience.

I feel valued because of where I work and who I work with!!

My Family Is a Great Support

My Cousin Brother Mom & Dad

My Work Goals

Be on-time -- don’t be late

Be prepared and ready for work

Dress professionally Be prepared to speak

to large groups Be respectful at all

times Have a nice boss and

co-workers I translate Punjabi and use my sign language skills with students.

I just love to work!

Yes, I like making money! (And I learned about taxes!!!)

Yes, I like to help students and staff.

I like to travel, attend trainings, conferences and just keep learning.

Now I want to tell you the best part of my job!

State Conference with VIPs!

I continue to have goals:

• I am studying to get my driver’s license and learning to drive!

• Next year I am excited about teaching students how to use our new Person Centered Planning (PCP) application!

Always learning…..22

Thanks!Any questions?

You can find me at:pjswan@lodiusd.net

PJSwanPrabjoat

I also have a website on WIX23