Abilities FoundationSchool Counselor
Feb. 2023 - Jun. 2024Kingston, JamaicaDuring my time at the Abilities Foundation, I worked closely with individuals with disabilities, all of whom were eager to enhance their vocational skills. The Foundation, with its focus on technical and employability training, offered a supportive and structured environment where I could contribute both as a counselor and an advocate for accessibility. I led several one-on-one counseling sessions with supervision, providing guidance and support to students as they navigate personal and societal challenges related to their disabilities. Rather than offering direct advice, I focused on helping students explore their options, make informed decisions, and develop strategies to manage stress, build self-esteem, and set achievable career goals. Several essential topics like resume writing, preparing for interviews, appropriate/inappropriate behavior at work, and effective communication in the workplace were covered in preparation for the job readiness program. We host mock interviews allowing the students to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. In addition to counseling, I assisted in skill-building classes in data entry and customer service, where I could draw upon my experience in data operations. These sessions were specifically designed to give students real-world competencies that would make them competitive in the job market. Being physically challenged myself, I could relate deeply to the obstacles some students faced, especially in terms of accessibility and mobility. I often shared my personal experiences to encourage them, demonstrating that despite limitations, success is achievable with perseverance and the right support. It was particularly rewarding to watch students grow in confidence over time, knowing that they were developing both personally and professionally.