Paths 2 the Future: Empowering Girls with Disabilities Lauren Lindstrom University of Oregon United States of America 23 February 2017 International efforts to empower girls

”Women with Disabilities Are less likely to: Attend or complete primary education Enroll in vocational or post-secondary education Be employed And more likely to live in poverty than MEN with disabilities World Health Organization, 2011

Paths 2 the Future WHAT: Short term vocational education program WHO: Adolescent girls with disabilities ages 14 to 21 WHY: Teach girls communication and vocational skills to prepare for future careers Taught in public high schools Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences

Paths 2 the Future 75 lessons in four modules Self-Awareness Disability Knowledge Gender Awareness Career & College Readiness The P2F curriculum has 75 lessons that cover four broad areas: a) self-determination, b) disability knowledge, c) gender awareness, and d) career and college readiness. The curriculum is interactive - teachers are responsible for presenting information, leading activities and engaging students in group discussions. In addition, girls make field trips to visit various employers and training programs. At the completion of the program, each student has skills and knowledge needed to transition from high school to a satisfying career in their community. The curriculum is low cost and replicable and incudes: Student workbooks Fully developed lesson plans Teacher Resource guide

Paths 2 the Future Innovation Girls Only class Focus on communication and empowerment Evidence based practice Girls Only class Focus on communication and empowerment

”Paths 2 the Future Results Girls in the P2F class showed significant increases in career knowledge and skills: Self-Realization Disability and Gender Knowledge

Paths 2 the Future Results Confidence and determination to achieve goals How to identify my strengths Self-awareness and acceptance Future planning and goal setting Knowledge of disability What is the most important thing that you learned? From the 2011 focus groups

”Paths 2 the Future Life Story Jazmin 2016 Paths 2 the Future graduate Graduated from high school Enrolled at University of Oregon Career goal is to be Social worker helping children

Paths 2 the Future Impact “ I found my voice even more and being able to understand how many doors are actually open to me.” “I learned that my disability can’t stop me.” Quotes from 2016 Focus Group interviews.

Paths 2 the Future Next Steps Expand to additional high schools in Oregon Collect follow up data Share outcomes through conference presentations Replicate the model