Blackford Jr- Sr. High School received the Best Practice Award during yesterday's Indiana Association of People Supporting Employment (APSE) conference and awards luncheon in Muncie.
The award recognizes innovation, imagination, and exemplary performance to support those with disabilities to work and further their career path in an inclusive workforce. BJSHS was honored for its promotion of work and work-based learning.
According to Mrs. Linda Wallace, special needs teacher at BJSHS, "We were also commended for using a strength-based approach and making sure the needs of the students were addressed, as well as our team approach to case conferences."
"I'm incredibly proud of the way our teachers work for our students,” said Principal Jason Ridge. “Mrs. Wallace and the other teachers and aides in her department are invested in their students and care about what they do with their lives after high school. Our team of teachers and counselors genuinely care about our students and live up to our mission to empower our students to maximize their potential in school and life beyond BJSHS. It is really nice to see their efforts and the efforts of Carla Steed from Vocational Rehabilitation be recognized."
The Indiana APSE is an organization that promotes and expands quality, community employment outcomes of choice for all people with disabilities. APSE members are the foundation of advocacy for integrated employment.
Accepting the award on behalf of BJSHS were Assistant Principal Karen Mealy and Mrs. Wallace.