The St. Johns County School District is calling on local businesses to serve as job-training sites for young adults with disabilities through its Life Work Program. The district made the push during Disability History and Awareness Weeks in October.

Life Work fills a gap in Florida's special-education system. Under state law, students with disabilities receive services until age 22 or until they earn a standard diploma, whichever comes first. Graduates who finish before 22 lose that eligibility. Life Work keeps them connected to district support during a critical window.

The program is built around three areas: employment readiness, social interaction and independent living skills. Students split time between classroom instruction and work-based learning at community job sites, according to a district announcement. The district said the program helps participants identify their strengths, explore their interests and prepare for life after high school.

The spotlight was first reported by First Coast Observer.

Jennifer Argentina is the program specialist for Life Work and the related Project Search initiative within the district's Exceptional Student Education department. Jessica Richardson, senior director for ESE, and Michelle Curtin, ESE director, oversee the broader department from offices at 40 Orange St. in St. Augustine.

Businesses interested in hosting a work-based learning placement, providing mentorship or offering other resources can contact the ESE office at 904-547-6043 or the district's career and technical education office.

Florida law requires Individualized Education Program teams to begin transition planning before a student with a disability turns 14, with postsecondary and career goals in place by 16. Families approaching that milestone can work with school-based teams to explore options like Life Work.

The district released a video showcasing Life Work students on its website and social media channels on Friday, Oct. 9.