Tools and Resources to Support Youth with and without Disabilities Mindy Larson Institute for Educational Leadership DEI Project Lead’s Administrative Teleconference December 2015

Who We Are National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth, a national technical assistance center Focus on transition needs of ALL youth, including youth with disabilities and other disconnected youth Improve state and local policy Strengthen workforce development service delivery Improve competencies of youth service professionals Engage youth and families Supported by Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor ASK – Please indicate whether you’re already familiar with the Guideposts for Success in the chat box and if you use it, share any ways you use it.

Two New Guides from NCWD/Youth Fostering Inclusive Volunteering and Service Learning Making My Way Through College: A Guide for Students with Disabilities

Volunteering’s Effect on Employment Volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. Volunteers without a high school diploma have a 51 percent higher likelihood of finding employment. Volunteers living in rural areas have a 55 percent higher likelihood of finding employment. Volunteering increases likelihood of finding employment for all volunteers regardless of a person’s gender, age, ethnicity, geographical area, or the job market conditions. (Joint Letter from CNCS & ODEP: http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/upload/ODEPCNSPolicyMemo.pdf)

Volunteering & Service Learning Fostering Inclusive Volunteering and Service Learning, Guide for Youth Service Professionals Overview of Potential Benefits: Increases Employment Outcomes Maximizes Personal Growth Identify & Address Barriers/Self-Advocacy Fosters Career Development & Skill Building Exposure to New Networks & Relationships Increases Academic Success Improves Health & Well-being

Ways to Facilitate Connections to Volunteering The Guide recommends the following ways that professionals can assist participants: Suggesting volunteering & discussing possibilities Coordinating self-exploration activities Supporting research on volunteering opportunities Discussing decisions about disclosure Discussing accommodation and/or work support needs Assisting with application process/resume development Helping prepare for interviews Discussing soft skills Fostering independence and self-advocacy skills Establish goals and monitor progress

Resources on Volunteering & Service Learning The Guide also contains information on: National Organizations Federally supported service programs Available online at: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/fostering-inclusive-volunteering-and-service-learning

Postsecondary Transition Making My Way Through College: A Guide for Students with Disabilities Part I. Getting Oriented Get the Facts (College vs High School) Disclosure Decisions & Disability Services Get to Know Your School (Accessibility Issues) Figure Out Your Finances Disability Benefits Planning Decide What Support You Need & Get Connected Connect to Other Students Take Charge of Your Health & Well-being

Making My Way through College Overview Continued Part II. Planning for Success Understand Yourself Self-exploration to identify strengths, interests, values Explore career options that fit the individual, set career goals, consult with advisors to determine education & training pathway Create Your Individualized Plan Align with other planning tools (IEP, 504 plan, IPE, ISS)

Making My Way through College Overview Continued Part III. Making College Count Tips for each semester Actions starting in year one Research careers, network, work experiences, soft skills, individualized planning Actions for final year Resume, cover letters, interview attire, interviewing skills, job search and applications, living arrangements, update plan Graduation Out in the World

Contact NCWD/Youth Mindy Larson, Ph. (202) 822-8504 Ext. 169 Larsonm@iel.org Curtis Richards, Ph. (202) 822-8405 Ext. 163 RichardsC@iel.org Website: www.ncwd-youth.info