Preparing Youth with Disabilities for Adulthood Dr. Lynnette Johnson Assistant Professor University of Maryland Eastern Shore October 6, 2016

OBJECTIVES Participants will: Discuss statistics surrounding youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood and the workforce. Describe the major transition themes involved with helping youth with disabilities be successful. Identify the challenges faced by youth in school-to-adulthood transition. Explain practices that promote successful transition 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

ACTIVITY On the paper provided, jot down your thoughts about youth transitioning into adulthood. Be prepared to share. 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Faces of Transition Kalyn Bess Teresa Pharoah 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Statistics Number of students ages 14-21 years with disabilities served under IDEA who exited special education:2008-2009. National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 Survey results: 59% had a current paid job outside the home. 47% reported that they had help with finding current or most recent job. 13% reported working in food preparation and serving related jobs. 12% reported working in sales. Exiting Total Graduated with diploma Received a certificate Reached maximum age Transferred to regular education Died Dropped Out 11,211 4,112 727 86 1,175 34 1,637 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

KALYN 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Voices of Youth with Disabilities and Parents PAM states, “My parents have spent years raising me. I know they want to have their own life. You know what? I do too.” FRANK said, “My mom always pushes me to do my best and it will not stop when I leave school. So, the way I see it is, I better get ready for my next big adventure-to get a job so I can get out of the house.” MR. STEVENS says, “I want all doors possible to open to my son, Richard, so, he can be all that he can and wants to be. Just tell me, do you really think that’s too much for a parent to ask for?” MRS. HICKS reports, “My daughter, Stella, may have an intellectual disability, in my opinion, she has the right to live and work in the same places as everyone else. This is the United States of America. She will just need some extra support, so planning for the future and these supports is key.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8X-oXCQGk8 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Transition of Youth with Disabilities Isn’t a Choice it’s the LAW IDEA states: The public agency must invite a student with a disability to attend the student’s IEP meeting if the purpose is to discuss post- secondary goals and transition services. If the student does not attend the IEP meeting, the public agency must take other steps to ensure that the student’s voice is considered. The public agency must invite a representative of any participating agency likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition services. 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Why Do Some Students Succeed and Others Do Not? Jot down several reasons. Turn to the partner next to you and discuss. 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Why Do Some Students Succeed and Others Do Not? Vocational Competence and Employment Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy Social Competence School and Community Inclusion Parent Involvement Postsecondary Education 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

BESS 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Securing Meaningful Work In the Community Barriers To Being Employed Poverty Power and Influence Health Care Benefits and Social Security Employer Reluctance to Hire Transportation 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Understanding the Choices Internships Supported Employment Competitive Employment and Business Models Community Rehabilitation Program Customized Employment Day Program or Sheltered Workshop Self-employment (owning one’s business) 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Teresa 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

Workplace Supports Help Maintain Employment Environmental Supports- physical structures, surroundings, or objects. Procedural Supports- actions or activities that employers provide to assist potential or current employees with performing their jobs and job-related functions. Natural Supports- available to any employee Environmental Supports-automatic door openers, signs on walls may help employees navigate from one department to another. Procedural Supports-flextime may be offered allow employees to work within the hours that are more conducive to their personal lives. Natural supports-workers sharing rides to and from work or a senior staff member helping a new co-worker get the job done when he or she needs extra assistance. 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

How You Can Help? EMPOWER YOUTH TO MAKE DECISIONS COMMUNICATE HIGH EXPECTATIONS START EARLY DECREASE CONTROL AND INCREASE YOUTH RESPONSIBILITIES GRADUALLY RECOGNIZE SUCCESS Pass out fact sheets Resources Sheet 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson

THANK YOU 10/6/2016 Dr. Lynnette Johnson