The Ridgefield Historical Society has been part of the Ridgefield Transition Program for the past two years, offering an internship position that’s focused on the historical archives. Avnish Primavera, who has completed his high school academic requirements and is continuing his education in work/life skills, has spent two hours each week helping digitize records that are then available through the Ridgefield Historical Society website.
His contact at the historical society is Betsy Reid, who said, “Avnish is here on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 12. He works on the computer in our Past Perfect database scanning images for our collection. … When Avnish gets here he gets right to work and does a good job. He works steadily until his watch alarm goes off signaling it’s time to pack up.
It’s pretty straightforward. He is very absorbed in his work.”
Last summer, Avnish did a special project, surveying the Museum in the Streets signs that were originally installed for the 2008 town tricentennial. He documented and recorded the condition of each. Avnish works with a job coach who makes sure he has what he needs to accomplish his tasks. Ms. Reid said that his work and computer skills are excellent.
More than 50 community partners have supported a student in a community-based experience, over the past several years. The Ridgefield Transition Program is directed by Jessica DiValentino, Transition Coordinator/Special Education Teacher, who invites any businesses or organizations that might like to offer an opportunity to a student to contact her at 203-904-0779 or by email to [email protected].
