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Manawa launches Paving the Way

Program focuses on students with disabilities

By Holly Neumann


The Manawa School District recently held a grand opening for Paving the Way, located at 407 S. Bridge St.

“This transition project has been under development for over a year,” District Administrator Melanie Oppor said. “Thanks to the close partnership with Masonic Lodge Post 82, the district is proud to be adding this as our latest learning center.”

The building once housed the Manawa Masons, prior to the organization moving to its new location in 2008.

Representing the lodge was Glenn Haroldson.

“We had a building and they had a need,” Haroldson said. “When this need was presented to the lodge, it was a no brainer. This is the perfect place for the school district to set up this type of program.”

With a little work, the building was brought up to code to make it suitable for the students.

“We consider ourselves as more than just landlords,” he said. “We are going to make sure that this program is successful. Knowing that we were a part of making a difference is absolutely fabulous.”

The building is now home to Paving the Way and a Practical Assessment Exploration System, often referred to as a PAES Lab.

It is a simulated workplace that gives a performance-based assessment for students at most levels of disabilities.

“This program is the first of its kind in mid-central Wisconsin,” Oppor said. “Student can explore the world of work through hands-on activities. More importantly, prospective employers can see the School District of Manawa students in action.”

The PAES lab not only helps students see what their job skills are, but also helps them grow in confidence and independence after high school.

“We are assessing what our students can do today,” said teacher Darren Carson. “PAES is just one of the things we use to help transition students into employment.”

According to Carson, students may explore 246 different jobs.

“It gives me a better idea of what they can and cannot accomplish,” he said.

The second part of their goal is to find people in the community who need employees.

Matt Beyer, of Keglers Bowling Center, is one of the community members already employing a student.

“I like to do stuff for the school as much as I possibly can,” Beyer said. “And this has been a rewarding experience.”

Beyer recalled the day the student received his first paycheck.

“You should have seen the smile on his face,” he said. “He was so excited. He wants to be here. He wants to do stuff. He brings something special to our business and lights the room up when he is there.”

Carson said everyone is worthy of being employed.

“I will be here to see that this happens,” he said.

Currently, there are six seniors who are going through the program.

“Three of them are going off to college, and three of them are working right now,” Carson said. “This is 100 percent success on our first year.”

Carson encouraged everyone to help them grow by opening doors, and keeping them open, for all their students.

“We need everyone,” he said.

Hunter Johnston is one of the students currently in the program.

“I like coming here because it’s been teaching me the different responsibilities for different job skills,” he said.

He said it is hard to decide what he likes best.

“I hope to get a job in graphic design, but right now I am working my way up,” Johnston said. “Until now, I did not know what is all out there to offer. This lets me experience several different jobs.”

Gloria Suehs is a parent who has been instrumental in getting the program off the ground. She has three autistic children.

“My youngest son is still in school, so he will be able to take advantage of this program,” she said.

She believes these types of program are important.

“Their future depends on them having a job and giving them some meaning it their lives, and this will help figure out their skills,” she said. “Anything that will help special needs kids find a place in the world is a beautiful thing.”

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