Building a job for your son or daughter a parent panel Facilitator, Rosemary Alexander Texas Parent to Parent, Pathways to Adulthood Program Txp2p.org Rosemary.alexander@txp2p.org

Work is for everyone! What do you get out of working and being employed? Everyone must have a chance to enjoy those benefits Everyone can work if we expand our view of work to include volunteering, working part-time, self-employment, and full-time, competitive employment

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Employment assistance after graduation: Vocational Rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs Pre-Employment Transition Services Short-term, not long-term services To contact TWC: Talk to school staff; your district should have a TWC transition team (800) 628-5115 www.twc.state.tx.us/

TWC transition youth and student services Get help preparing for post-secondary education and employment opportunities through the following individualized services.  Services are based on eligibility and your individual need, and are provided in collaboration with the family, high school, community college, or Educational Service Center.  Pre-Employment Transition Services Receive core services, as needed, to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities: Vocational counseling, including counseling in job exploration and post- secondary training opportunities Counseling on opportunities for post-secondary education such as college, vocational schools, etc. Work-based learning experiences, including internships and on-the-job training Training in workplace and employer expectations Training in self-advocacy and social skills

Other resources disabilityrightstx.org/resources/ pacer.org/transition/learning- center/employment thearcoftexas.org  Services in Texas transitionintexas.org/Page/95 twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/vocational- rehabilitation-youth-students

Texas Parent to Parent Resources Txp2p.org, click on Pathways to Adulthood https://www.txp2p.org/services/services-for-parents- pathway-to-adulthood/life-after-graduation Register with txp2p and sign up for Transition listserv Annual Parent Conference includes employment topics Pathways to Adulthood workshops around the state; register at txp2p.org for 1-1 assistance: cynda.green@txp2p.org or Toll Free: 866-896-6001 to discuss any transition issue