National Service: An Appealing Option for Youth in Transition Debra Hart Director, Education & Transition Team Institute for Community Inclusion University of Massachusetts, Boston

Student Outcomes 30% of people with disabilities report being employed full or part-time, compared to 70% of those who do not have disabilities (NOD/Harris, 2004) Youth with MR exiting high school are the only disability category not experiencing an increase in earnings above minimum wage (NLTS2, 2004) Only 15% of students in special education go on to any type of postsecondary education (Lichtenstein, 1998) 34% of individuals with disabilities say they are satisfied with life, compared to 61% of individuals without disabilities

“Depending on the severity and type of disability that one has, some doors open but certain other doors close.” (Hall, 2004)

Role of National Service Has significant potential to change these poor outcomes Can assist school districts in addressing Indicators 1, 2, 13, 14 Meet the transition and “LRE” requirements under IDEA 2004

Role of National Service Students who are more engaged in learning are more likely to stay in school Students who have the opportunity to participate in national service develop skills, expand their social networks, and start to develop a career path Students with disabilities have the opportunity to give back rather than always being the recipient

Role of National Service: Americorp Education Award & Living Stipend

National Service: An Appealing Option for Youth in Transition National Conference on Disability Inclusion and Service October 16, 2008, Alexandria, VA Debbie Gilmer, Director Center for Self Determination, Health & Policy at the Maine Support Network

Achieving All A’s as a Foundation Access….to the regular (and rigorous) curriculum Aspirations….believing in everyone Accommodations and Assistive Technology….supports be successful Achievement….success!

GEAR UP Creating and supporting a college with a culture for all! Beginning at 6th or 7th grade; we encourage service activities and/or community volunteering each year through graduation as a strong component of being prepared to succeed in college and beyond.

Individualized Career Planning Model (Rural Institute, MT) Discovery! a model of transition planning and career development for students with significant disabilities which incorporates the use of Social Security Work Incentives, natural supports, and linkages to Workforce Investment and other adult agencies to promote access to community employment and self- employment. asphttp://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/transition/careerplanning. asp

It’s All About Relationships Social Capital….connections, friends, social webs What was your first job and how did you get it?

I am Jesse Bell from Edmunds, Maine. I have a developmental disability called Autism. Farming… with Autism

I am a member of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department. I go to all the meetings and trainings. Farming… with Autism