Job Link

Job Link is a program of Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential (LEAP), a Cleveland Center for Independent Living serving people in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties since 1981. A youth development and employment program, Job Link assists disadvantaged youth with disabilities in discovering their potential and planning for their future. The program instills attitudes, behaviors, and skills needed for youth to obtain and retain employment and become successful contributing members of their community. Job Link is a year round transition program providing work related and independent living skill training. It combines classroom instruction and community based training to address individual student needs and goals.

LEAP's mission is to "empower people with disabilities in making significant life choices and changes to enhance their employment and independent living opportunities." The Job Link program aims to assist students in making a successful transition from school to employment and adult community life.

Job Link annually serves about 100 students with developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, deafness and hearing loss. They also serve a population of students with developmental disabilities whose first language is Spanish. Students are served in 10th through 12th grade and after graduation.

From 1994-2004, the program claimed the following outcomes:

- Rate of placement of graduates into employment or training: 84%
- Average annual employment retention rate: 82%
- Rate of program completion (and completion of school year): 95%