September 2010 Resources updated, August 2012In Transition to Adulthood, we presented an overview of what IDEA 2004 requires in terms of transition planning for youth with disabilities. A significant aspect of the law's requirements relates to including transition-related goals and statements in the IEPs of students preparing for life after high school. Now it's time to take a much closer look at the kind of information you might include in a student's … [Read more...]
Print 
PDFEmployment Connections
November 2009 Links checked, February 2013 Oh, the world of work! For many youth with disabilities looking ahead to life after high school, employment will be an immediate and serious consideration. And the time to consider it well and thoroughly is during the high school years, during transition planning, and through transition services that are carefully matched to the goal of employment. In the article Transition Goals in the IEP, we looked … [Read more...]
Resources Especially for Employers
Resources updated, April 2013 Individuals with disabilities are a vital and dynamic part of our Nation, and their contributions have impacted countless lives. People with disabilities bring immeasurable value to our workplaces, and we will continue to address the challenges to employment that must be overcome...[L]et us rededicate ourselves to fostering equal access and fair opportunity in our labor force, and to capitalizing on the talent, skills, … [Read more...]
Services for Adults with Disabilities
Updated October 2010 | Links checked, February 2013Once a student with a disability leaves high school, other agencies are available to assist with putting the individual in contact with helpful resources.We have prepared this listing of resources for adults with disabilities to help you get started. Look over this list, and you will find organizations that provide information, referral, and/or direct services. A brief description of each organization's … [Read more...]
What U.S. laws and policies provide “pathways” for students with disabilities to life after high school?
This December 2010 report is the Country Report for the United States, written to capture our status at the moment regarding Pathways for Disabled Students to Tertiary Education and Employment. The title’s a mouthful, but the content is a gold mine. It’s precise and authoritative about the U.S. policies and laws in…well…look at the title again! The report was written through the teaming of multiple federal agencies. Inside you’ll find a … [Read more...]
Internships: The On-Ramp to Employment
Completing an internship can help young people with and without disabilities prepare for their career field of choice. In “Internships: The On-Ramp to Employment, A Guide for Students with Disabilities to Getting and Making the Most of an Internship,” the National Consortium on Leadership & Disability for Youth guides youth through the steps of finding, applying for, participating in, and evaluating an internship. Topics covered include activities … [Read more...]
Employment and people with developmental disabilities
This six-hour self-study online course is designed to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs and plan a career. In this course, participants will create a resume or portfolio of their strengths, skills, and interests; learn how to network and identify potential employers; prepare for an interview; and understand the hiring process. The course has been updated to include information on ways that people with autism and other … [Read more...]
Entering the world of work: What youth with mental health needs should know about accommodations
Starting a job can be difficult for any young person. If you happen to have a hidden disability, such as a mental health impairment, a new workplace can be overwhelming. Along with questions about the job itself, you may have questions about when and how to disclose your disability. You may wonder if it is appropriate to ask for modifications in your new work setting. This fact sheet provides guidance to assist you with a successful transition into … [Read more...]
Successful Transition Models for Youth with Mental Health Needs: A Guide for Workforce Professionals
This InfoBrief describes the systems’ service barriers faced by youth with mental health needs as they reach adulthood, while highlighting new models and strategies designed to break down those barriers and help them to transition successfully into the workplace. http://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-23 … [Read more...]
How families of youth with disabilities can assist in job search and retention
Tapping into the Power of Families: How Families of Youth with Disabilities Can Assist in Job Search and Retention explores the role that families and other caring adults play in helping young people with disabilities plan for careers, search for jobs, build work skills, and be successful in employment. From the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disabilities. http://www.ncwd-youth.info/infobrief/tapping-into-the-power-of-families … [Read more...]
