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Why is the H.E.A.R.T. Program important?
H.E.A.R.T. fills a gap in existing programs for people with special needs. Once a child with developmental disabilities becomes an adult, available options for continuing education and job training become severely limited.
It is a fact that while there are vocational programs integrated into special education programs in high schools across Houston, the majority of those taking part in these programs are not able to transition into the workforce immediately, for many reasons. Program waiting lists cause much of the delay. When participants have to wait for long periods of time before entering a training program, they lose much of the training that they received through the high school programs.
At any given time in the Houston area alone, there are thousands capable adults with developmental disabilities on waiting lists for services and programs. For these Houstonians, the barriers to employment are significant. In part, this is because consistent, repetitive and time-intensive training is required for these individuals to develop job skills, and because the jobs for which they are then suited must be in an industry that optimizes the particular skill sets and talents of this specialized population.
We have proven that the H.E.A.R.T. Program benefits everyone: the participants, their families and the greater Houston community.
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