The Explorers Program reaches out to teens with disabilities to help them not only complete high school, but graduate equipped with the skills that will help them be successful in competitive community employment. The intended result is a seamless transition from school to work. The program was created in conjunction with the Atlanta City School System and the Georgia Department of Rehabilitation Services. The program is split into two core components: traditional classroom lessons and hands-on job training. Half of the day is spent in our multimedia classroom, where students complete individual and team projects and have the opportunity to build up their computer skills. The other half of the school day is spent in hands-on job training, or "work adjustment," which develops basic work habits, behaviors, and skills that are critical for future workplace success. The program provides on-the-job training in the areas of packaging, assembly and hand work on BDI's warehouse floor. What skills will the program build?

• Independent living skills
• increase self-reliance
• plan and budget with paychecks
• understand proper grooming & hygiene
• understand healthy eating habits
• understand basic money and banking concepts
• use public transportation
• Career exploration
• identify potential job possibilities
• build appropriate interview skills
• take initiative to build job skills
• understand effective behaviors to keep a job
• Social skills
• increase listening and conversation skills
• demonstrate ability to listen & follow instructions
• Computer skills
• use the computer
• recognize basic computer commands
• access the Internet
• communicate via e-mail
• Recreation & leisure
• identify recreation and leisure options
• identify activities to meet new people
• order from a menu in a restaurant and leave a tip
• use community resources
• complete arts and crafts projects
• participate in local & state Special Olympics