Local resident urges Sioux City schools to add vocational and life-skills training for students with disabilities

At the Sioux City Community School District board meeting June 22, public commenter JJ Stone urged the district to develop practical life- and career-skills courses for students with disabilities, saying changes to work-and-benefits rules are limiting opportunities for adults with disabilities and that early instruction could help.

Stone, who identified himself as a longtime Sioux City resident and a former radio and TV broadcaster, described losing paid work in recent years because earning more than about $50 can risk food and medication benefits for people with disabilities. He suggested classes such as sewing, cooking and American Sign Language to prepare students for independent living and employment options that are compatible with benefits rules.

Interim Superintendent Jim Vanderloo responded that the district already offers some such courses and said staff would "dig into it a little bit more." The board thanked Stone for the suggestion.

The comment was recorded during the public-input portion of the meeting; no formal action was taken at the time, but staff agreed to explore options.