Guideposts for Success Strategic Service Delivery Component Disability Employment Initiative

The following chart highlights the core elements associated with this service delivery component and includes the names of the states that will be implementing this approach: Access the following link to learn what each DEI project proposed in their statement of work around this component:

Guideposts for Success Developed by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) in conjunction with ODEP. NCWD/Youth helps state and local workforce development systems improve outcomes for youth with disabilities. NCWD/Youth is comprised of partners with expertise in disability, education, employment, and workforce development policy and practice. Website:

Five Guideposts 1. School-Based Preparatory Experiences 2. Career Preparation and Work-Based Learning Experiences 3. Youth Development and Leadership 4. Connecting Activities 5. Family Involvement and Supports

Related Resources— Guideposts for: Employers Success Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections System Youth with Mental Health Needs Youth in Foster Care Youth with Learning Disabilities

Addressing the Needs of Youth Research has identified educational and career development interventions that can make a positive difference in the lives of youth including: Work-based learning experiences, preferably connected to curriculum content student-centered individualized education programs that drive instruction

Addressing the Needs of Youth Educational and career development interventions that can make a positive difference in the lives of youth, continued: Family involvement in and support of education and career development activities Linkages to individually determined support services have all been proven, by both practice and research, to lead to the education and employment success of all youth, including youth with disabilities.

All Youth Need Access to high quality standards-based education regardless of the setting; Information about career options and exposure to the world of work, including structured internships; and Opportunities to develop social, civic, and leadership skills.

All Youth Need Strong connections to caring adults; Access to safe places to interact with their peers; and Support services to allow them to become independent adults.

The Guideposts Provide A statement of principles; A direction that will lead to better outcomes for all young people including youth with disabilities; and A way to organize policy and practice.

Using the Guideposts In work with youth with disabilities and service practitioners use the Guideposts in developing any individualized plans such as: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE), and Service strategies as required by the Workforce Investment Act

Guideposts are based on… High expectations for all youth, including youth with disabilities; Equality of opportunity for everyone, including nondiscrimination, individualization, inclusion, and integration; and Full participation through self-determination, informed choice, and participation in decision-making.

Guideposts are based on… Independent living, including skills development and long- term supports and services; Competitive employment and economic self sufficiency, which may include supports; and Individualized, person-driven, and culturally and linguistically appropriate transition planning.

Guideposts Framework After providing a detailed list of what all youth need, the framework describes additional specific needs pertaining to youth with disabilities. By addressing these specific needs policymakers, program administrators, youth service practitioners, parents, family members, and youth will have access to a foundation that will lead to work, further education, and independent community living.

Guidepost 1: School-Based Preparatory Experiences In order to perform at optimal levels in all education settings, all youth need: to participate in educational programs grounded in standards, clear performance expectations and graduation exit options based upon meaningful, accurate, and relevant indicators of student learning and skills. This Guidepost identifies what these include for youth in general plus the needs of youth with disabilities.

Guidepost 2: Career Preparation and Work-Based Learning Experiences Career preparation and work-based learning experiences are essential in order to form and develop aspirations and to make informed choices about careers. These experiences can be provided during the school day, or through after-school programs and will require collaborations with other organizations. This Guidepost identifies the information all youth need on career options, including the needs of youth with disabilities.

Guidepost 3: Youth Development and Leadership Youth development is a process that prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of activities and experiences which help them gain skills and competencies. Youth leadership is part of that process. This Guidepost includes what youth and youth with disabilities need in order to control and direct their own lives based on informed decision.

Guidepost 4: Connecting Activities Young people need to be connected to programs, services, activities, and supports that help them gain access to chosen post-school options. This Guidepost includes examples of the kinds of activities youth may need to get connected (e.g., transportation, financial planning and management, etc.) Including activities youth with disabilities may need to connect (e.g., acquisition of appropriate assistive technologies; Personal assistance services, including attendants, readers, interpreters, or other such services, etc.).

Guidepost 5: Family Involvement and Supports Participation and involvement of parents, family members, and/or other adults promotes the social, emotional, physical, academic, and occupational growth of youth, which leads to better post-school outcomes. This Guidepost identifies the type of parental, family and other adult support that youth and youth with disabilities need to include: knowledge of rights and responsibilities under various disability-related legislation an understanding of how individualized planning tools can assist youth in achieving transition goals and objectives