About Junior Professionals
Pre-Employment Transition Solutions
Junior Professionals are students with creative abilities who deserve an opportunity for competitive integrated employment. Often times, students who are face with poverty or live in areas where feasible employment and transportation is not available, they suffer more than society understands. As unfortunate as it is, many look upon this group of students in a negative aspect. While there may be some negative attributes about them, they are still human and they still deserve a fair opportunity in this life. That is why Junior Professionals w/Creative Abilities was created.
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Students with creative abilities, whether they have high-functioning disabilities or not, are valuable assets to their communities. By recognizing their potential and offering appropriate support, these students can thrive and make meaningful contributions in their fields of interest.
Junior Professionals
Who are Junior Professionals?
Junior Professionals with Creative Abilities are young individuals who possess unique talents and innovative thinking, encompassing a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. This group includes youth with high-functioning disabilities, those without disabilities, and at-risk youth who face challenges but demonstrate the potential to excel when provided with the right support and opportunities.
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These junior professionals bring fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving skills, often excelling in areas such as arts, technology, entrepreneurship, and interpersonal connections. By fostering their talents through mentorship, skill-building programs, and work-based learning experiences, they are empowered to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and transition successfully into careers or further education. Their diverse experiences and abilities position them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.
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Not to worry! We are here to help! We want to see you succeed. We want to see you win. We want you to be afforded opportunities that you might not have been aware of. No matter what your current situation is, we want to help you make the transition to employment, post-secondary educational options, and overall to create a decent quality o life for yourself.
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Students with IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plans are individuals who receive specialized support and accommodations in school to ensure they have equitable access to education. These plans are designed to address their unique needs and help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
IEP Students
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Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP is developed for students who qualify for special education services due to a disability that affects their ability to learn in a traditional classroom setting.
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The IEP includes specific goals, services, and accommodations tailored to the student’s needs, such as speech therapy, behavioral interventions, or modified curriculum.
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Examples of disabilities covered under an IEP include autism, learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
504 Plan Students
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Covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a 504 Plan ensures that students with disabilities receive accommodations to access the general education curriculum without significant modifications.
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These students may not require special education but need support such as extended test time, preferential seating, or assistive technology to overcome challenges related to their disability.
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Common conditions for 504 plans include ADHD, anxiety disorders, chronic health issues, or physical impairments.
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Both IEPs and 504 Plans ensure that students receive the resources and support they need to thrive in school, helping them to navigate challenges while achieving their full potential.
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SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES​
​Junior Professionals include students with disabilities who can function independently with minimal support. If your student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, we are equipped to provide services tailored to their needs. Follow these steps to access our services:
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Present the Information: Share this opportunity with your Special Education (SPeD) Instructor.
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Request Pre-Employment Transition Services: Inform your SPeD Instructor that you are interested in exploring Pre-Employment Transition Services to help create opportunities for a successful future.
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Complete the Application: Your SPeD Instructor can assist in completing the Application for Services.
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Be prepared to upload a copy of the IEP or 504 Plan as part of the application process.
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Application Review and Meeting: Once submitted, a Transitional Case Manager will review the application and schedule a meeting within 72 hours.
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Career Assessment: Each Junior Professional will collaborate with their Transitional Case Manager to complete a Career Assessment.
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Parent/Guardian Information: Regardless of age, parent/guardian details are required for all Junior Professionals.
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Students not enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Services Plan may access our services through private or self-pay options. For more information, please refer to our FAQs regarding service areas and additional details.


Students w/Creative Abilities
Here are some very important factors about students with creative abilities.
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There are some cases when the creative ability (disability) can be seen with the bare eye.
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Not everyone with creative abilities can be judged based on how they look.
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Not every creative ability is a disability.
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There are many cases where the ability can only be seen if there is a diagnosis, assessment, or some type of treatment has been administered by a licensed professional.
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Students with creative abilities should be given an opportunity to have independence in society.
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Unless a student with a creative ability has been deemed to severe for employment, his/her network should support them in gaining their independence.
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Sometimes, the caregivers are afraid to push their student to new levels for fear of societal stigmas.
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In other cases, they feel secure with their student receiving some type of public assistance.
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Students with creative abilities, in many cases, want to earn their own money, rent their own apartment, and drive their own car.
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Students with Creative Abilities are individuals who exhibit exceptional talent, innovation, or problem-solving skills in one or more areas, often coupled with a unique perspective on learning and expression. These students may include those with high-functioning disabilities—such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other neurodivergent traits—and those without disabilities. Their abilities often stand out in areas like art, music, technology, writing, or conceptual thinking, but their creativity can also shine in unconventional ways, such as finding novel solutions to problems or offering fresh perspectives. Students with creative abilities are students in the general population of students in school setting and/or in society.
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If a student with creative abilities has a disability and they are able to maintain employment and is able to still keep a portion of his/her public assistance, it is a win - win situation. Your student can request to speak with a Work Incentive Navigator or Benefits Specialist for the information that s/he will need in order to keep their public assistance and maintain employment. We will guide you in the right direction to obtain what you need so that you are able to make an informed decision for yourself.
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Your creative ability is needed somewhere in the workplace. Don't lose hope because your ability is different from others. That is what makes you unique and talented.