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

2. 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
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

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

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

5. Statistics
Number of students ages years with disabilities served under IDEA who exited special education:
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
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

6. KALYN
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

7. 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.”
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

8. 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.
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

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

10. 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
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

11. BESS
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12. 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
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

13. 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)
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

14. Teresa
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

15. 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.
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

16. 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
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson

17. THANK YOU
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Dr. Lynnette Johnson