K-12 Program
K-12 Educators, Parents, Mentors, and Other Advocates
As adolescents go through high school, they learn to take on more initiative, responsibility and independence. Parents and adults know that, in spite of their evolving maturity, many teenagers need support and encouragement as they begin take the initiative, act responsibly, and grow in their independence.
Parents and mentors of youth with disabilities have unique opportunities to promote their successful transition to postsecondary education, employment, and full participation in adult activities. Families and mentors need to step in and assist in the transition process by providing adolescents direction in their exploration of interests, guidance in career and college planning, and encouragement and support.
Employment Issues
The number of students with disabilities entering and completing postsecondary education has increased dramatically in the last decade, yet people with disabilities are still underrepresented in the employment arena. Barriers to employment include lack of adequate support systems; little access to successful role models; lack of access to technology that can increase independence and productivity; and, most significantly, low expectations on the part of people with whom they interact.
High school students may think they have plenty of time to decide on their career paths and acquire the skills they will need to market themselves successfully. They may also believe that completing a college or job training program will guarantee them a job. This is not true in every situation.
Students with disabilities face unique challenges as they transition to employment. Like other students, they need to find a way to meet the specific qualifications of a desired job as well as demonstrate transferable skills such as communication, troubleshooting, decision making, leadership, and problem solving. Unlike other students, they must be aware of accommodation strategies for specific
As adolescents go through high school, they learn to take on more initiative, responsibility and independence. Parents and adults know that, in spite of their evolving maturity, many teenagers need support and encouragement as they begin take the initiative, act responsibly, and grow in their independence.
Parents and mentors of youth with disabilities have unique opportunities to promote their successful transition to postsecondary education, employment, and full participation in adult activities. Families and mentors need to step in and assist in the transition process by providing adolescents direction in their exploration of interests, guidance in career and college planning, and encouragement and support.
Employment Issues
The number of students with disabilities entering and completing postsecondary education has increased dramatically in the last decade, yet people with disabilities are still underrepresented in the employment arena. Barriers to employment include lack of adequate support systems; little access to successful role models; lack of access to technology that can increase independence and productivity; and, most significantly, low expectations on the part of people with whom they interact.
High school students may think they have plenty of time to decide on their career paths and acquire the skills they will need to market themselves successfully. They may also believe that completing a college or job training program will guarantee them a job. This is not true in every situation.
Students with disabilities face unique challenges as they transition to employment. Like other students, they need to find a way to meet the specific qualifications of a desired job as well as demonstrate transferable skills such as communication, troubleshooting, decision making, leadership, and problem solving. Unlike other students, they must be aware of accommodation strategies for specific