By Monica Rodriguez for The Eastsider
Originally published November 12, 2024
Suset Susano listened to the instructions imparted by her health and beauty teacher at Perez Special Education Center/Career and Transition Center in East L.A. She then proceeded to work with her make-believe client.
Susano gingerly wrapped a terrycloth band around the head of a bust in preparation to give the client a facial. In the health and beauty class, held in a classroom that resembles a professional beauty salon, Susano has been learning to apply makeup on clients and “practicing doing hair,” she said.
“I’m pretty good at it, but I’m still improving because there is always room to improve,” Susano said.
Susano, 21, of Boyle Heights, is one of 245 students ages 18 to 22 with developmental disabilities attending the L.A. Unified school after completing high school.
Aside from academics, Perez students work to develop social, job and independent living skills.
“Our mission is really to have our students reach their highest potential,” said Principal Manuela Hernandez. “We work to give them as much independence as possible.”
Hernandez said that students’ cognitive abilities vary. Most are autistic, and some also have physical disabilities. Achieving independence is different for every student.
“For some, independence is being able to express the need to go to the restroom,” Hernandez said.
For others, independence is learning to advocate for themselves, to become “the captain of their ship,” she said.
Once students complete their education at Perez, they move on to higher education, join the workforce or participate in programs to continue developing their skills.
Caleb Calderas, 19, of Eagle Rock and a graduate of Eagle Rock Jr./Sr. High School, said Perez differs from high school.
“It’s a step up from high school. There are higher expectations,” he said, adding that at Perez, faculty and staff put students at ease, leading to trusting relationships.
Calderas has trained for employment in shipping and receiving and to be a barista in a coffeehouse. Last school year, he worked at Evergreen Early Education Center in Boyle Heights, assisting in a classroom and engaging in imaginative play with children.
He’s still several semesters away from completing his studies. Still, he’s thinking of future employment options and possibly going to college, so he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself.
“I’m trying to focus on the now and see what the future holds,” he said.
