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Services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard-of-Hearing Students

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Vocational Pathways is solely a program for students with disabilities located in the Alternative Education Center building (Fry Hall).  Vocational Pathways includes multiple learning environments and operates independently within the Alternative Education Center. 

Duds & Dough (D&D)

Duds & Dough is a full-day postgraduate transition program providing students with disabilities on-site job training in a school-based business. Students will operate a consignment/gift shop, which is open to the public, and a catering service, which is limited to school events. Students will work for two to three years in the business and then have the opportunity to work in the community under the supervision of a job coach during his/her final year.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

●       To attend Duds & Dough, students must be between the ages of 18-22.

●       Students accepted into this program have completed all curriculum requirements and have been awarded an Applied Studies Diploma.

●       For this program, the Duds & Dough Coordinator will be the case manager of the student for IEP purposes.

Duds & Dough is located at the Wise County Alternative Education Center, Building B of the school board campus, 515 Hurricane Road, Wise, Virginia. They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. 

Visit their Facebook for more information and schedule changes. 

*Duds & Dough follows the yearly school calendar and will be closed for holidays, snow days, school breaks (summer, fall, Thanksgiving, winter, spring), and other school functions.

To contact Duds & Dough for general store questions please call 276-328-4105. 

For program information, please contact Cari Braddock, Director of Special Education and Student Services at 276-328-8017.

Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES)

This is a vocational training program for a certain population of students with disabilities and is offered to high school students for half-day only. A student may attend PAES for up to two years in which classes can be morning or afternoon sessions.  PAES provides a comprehensive framework along with the tools to provide students with hands-on educational and vocational experiences. The focus is on skills training and proper behavioral development within a work environment. The real work nature of PAES activities builds self-confidence and fosters independent work behaviors and problem-solving skills.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

●       To attend PAES, students must be between grades 10-12.

●       Students that attend PAES are not eligible for a standard diploma and will be working toward the Applied Studies Diploma. 

●      Students that attend PAES are not eligible to attend the Career-Technical Center.

 For program information, please contact Cari Braddock, Director of Special Education and Student Services at 276-328-8017.

Learning in A Functional Environment (LIFE)

This program provides students with special needs opportunities to improve functional academics and daily living skills in preparation for further vocational training. LIFE is offered to high school students for half-day only and can be morning or afternoon sessions. Students can attend for up to two years. LIFE provides specialized instruction in all of the core academic areas, independent living skills, community awareness, career exploration, hands-on activities, and community-based instruction, which makes this program an exciting option for our students. The goal of the LIFE program is to provide individualized training that would assist in helping students succeed in today’s work world.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

●       To attend LIFE, students should be in grades 9-12.

●       Students that attend LIFE are not eligible for a standard diploma and will be working toward the Applied Studies Diploma. 
For program information, please contact Cari Braddock, Director of Special Education and Student Services at 276-328-8017.

Functional Skills Program (FSP)

This program benefits students with higher needs who require specialized instruction in the areas of academics and independent, social, and living skills for home and community after high school. Students in the functional skills program will receive a full day of services with a modified curriculum.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

●        To attend FSP, students must be between the age of 13-22.

●       Students that attend FSP are not eligible for a standard diploma and will be working toward the Applied Studies Diploma. 

 For program information, please contact Cari Braddock, Director of Special Education and Student Services at 276-328-8017.