Parents and students urge continuation of Simi Valley Career Institute office skills class

Dr. Kathy Linson and student Allison LaDeuceur told the board the office skills class at Simi Valley Career Institute provides practical workplace skills and confidence for students with cognitive disabilities and should continue.

"My name is Dr. Kathy Linson. I have a PhD in clinical psychology and a daughter with a cognitive disorder and I'm here to talk about the office skills class," Linson said. She credited the class with helping her daughter "answer the phones and greet clients" and said the class gave her daughter the confidence to enroll in additional courses and to take a part-time job at a veterinary office.

Allison LaDeuceur read a letter addressed to the Simi Valley Career Institute vice principal saying the course, supported by the Department of Rehabilitation, taught typing, resume writing, customer service and interview skills and "has given me more confidence in myself." She described workplace placements at a special-needs center and at a pet-sitting business and urged the board to continue offering the class because it benefits many students.

Board members thanked the speakers and noted the district's career-institute programs and instructors by name were important to supporting transitions to work for special-needs students. No action was taken at the meeting; public comments were acknowledged and the superintendent offered to provide more information if requested.