PLANNING THE Transition to Employment

Authors

Wendy S. Parent-Johnson, Laura A. Owens, Richard Parent-Johnson
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Contents

• Series Preface ..... vii
• Editorial Advisory Board ..... ix
• About the Authors ..... xi
• Preface ..... xiii
• About the Downloads ..... xv
• Acknowledgments ..... xvii

Chapter 1: Getting Started

• Transition to Employment ..... 1
• Importance of Work ..... 2
• What Do the Statistics Say? ..... 2
• Changing the Landscape of Disability and Employment ..... 3
• Upcoming Chapters ..... 5

Chapter 2: Strategies to Facilitate Effective Transitions

• Teacher Vignette ..... 7
• The Crucial Importance of Collaboration ..... 8
• Grow Your Own Collective Impact Team ..... 10
• Collective Impact: A Practical Application ..... 11
• Integrating Best Practices ..... 17

Chapter 3: Planning for Employment: Person-Centered Planning and Adult Agency Involvement

• Teacher/Transition Coordinator Vignette ..... 27
• Planning for Employment ..... 29
• Ready and Reliable ..... 30
• Employment First ..... 33
• Why Is Person-Centered Planning Important? ..... 34

Chapter 4: Developing Skills, Identifying Passions, and Exploring Careers

• Teacher/Transition Coordinator Vignette ..... 47
• Developing High School Services ..... 48
• Identifying Learning Styles and Preferences ..... 51
• Utilizing Online Career Exploration Tools ..... 54
• Providing Community Work and Internship Opportunities ..... 61
• Establishing Employment or Postsecondary Education Areas of Interest ..... 63

Chapter 5: Developing Employer Relationships to Create Job Opportunities

• Teacher/Transition Coordinator Vignette ..... 67
• Competitive Integrated Employment ..... 67
• Knowing the Business Community ..... 68
• Business Knowledge ..... 69
• Networking ..... 70
• Meeting With Employers ..... 74
• Employment Proposals ..... 77
• Preparing Students for Employment Through Work-Based Learning or Internships ..... 77
• Partnership Agreement ..... 80
• Worksite Analysis ..... 80
• Intern Criteria and Job Description ..... 80

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Transition to Employment

The transition to employment is a crucial step for individuals with disabilities. It is essential to teach students various skills over time through day-to-day experiences, role models, and real-life events. Collaboration among educators, service providers, and the community is vital for successful transitions, reducing gaps, and fostering creativity.

Importance of Work

The question arises: "Why work?" The outcomes for students with disabilities have improved, yet employment rates remain significantly lower than for peers without disabilities. Addressing these disparities is critical for enhancing students' quality of life.

What Do the Statistics Say?

Employment statistics reveal alarming disparities. In 2018, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities was 8.0%, while for those without disabilities, it was 3.7%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with disabilities were employed at lower rates compared to their peers.

Changing the Landscape of Disability and Employment

With the rise of Employment First initiatives and federal support, there is a push to align policies with integrated employment goals. This includes modifying service practices and reimbursement structures to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities.

Chapter 2: Strategies to Facilitate Effective Transitions

The Crucial Importance of Collaboration

Transition processes require the involvement of various stakeholders including educators, service professionals, and community members to effectively address the needs of students with disabilities.

Grow Your Own Collective Impact Team

Creating a team of professionals across disciplines to address transition needs holistically ensures a cohesive approach, improving overall student outcomes.

Collective Impact: A Practical Application

Implementing a shared agenda among diverse stakeholders supports a comprehensive approach to achieving successful transitions for individuals with disabilities.