Youth to Work Coalition (YTWC) Welcome! Enter (Date) Name of Organization 1

Agenda Brief Introduction of Presenters The Importance of Employment Outcomes and Self-Determination Brief introduction/Purpose of YTWC YTWC Website Overview Review Resources for Businesses/Employers 2

Where We Are Now 3 3

Employment Rates 2013 In June 2013, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 20.2% A decrease since January By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force was 68.9% US Department of Labor 4 4

Unemployment Rates 2013 In June 2013, the unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.2% percent, compared with 8.3% percent for persons with no disability. US Department of Labor 5 5

We have spent Billions on: Raising awareness & advocacy Policy initiatives Support services Yet, people with disabilities are still under-represented in the workforce 6 6

Why is Self-determination Important? Researchers have found that young adults with disabilities who leave school with high levels of self-determination and positive self-esteem are more likely to be: employed, with greater job benefits than their less self-determined peers satisfied with their lives live independently, or with support, outside of their family homes (Wehmeyer & Schwartz, 1997). 7 7

Strategies for Developing Self- Determination Teach the individual about their rights, accommodations and responsibilities as adults and as individuals with disabilities. Guide the individual towards solving their own problems and making their own choices/decisions. Help the individual to think about their actions and responses to situations and find ways to improve. Don’t shy away from discussing challenges associated with disability. Admit that problems exist, while pointing out other ways to do things. Arrange learning and skill-building tasks to be challenging, but not impossible—not boring or irrelevant! 8 8

Purpose of the Youth to Work Coalition (YTWC) To identify/house/organize resources (toolkits, guides, how-to-materials) that link employers and schools to create work-based learning experiences for youth and young adults with disabilities Establish and coordinate a network of experts to:  Provide TA to employers  Internships  Mentoring programs  Develop tools  Targeting employers and schools  Supporting work-based learning experiences 9

The New YTWC Website!! 10

NSTTAC’s Homepage

YTWC Homepage

About Us Tab

Success Stories Tab

Timeline

Audiences Tab

Businesses/Employers Resources

Business Specific Materials Mentoring Partners For Youth with Disabilities Office of Disability Employment Policy: guidelines for businesses and mentorship 18

Business Specific Materials Service Learning A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Community Service ProgramsA Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Community Service Programs 19

Business Specific Materials Paid Employment Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion from the US Business Leadership Network Employer Assistance and Resource Network Online courses for businesses on how to integrate individuals into the workforce 20

Questions Suggestions? Questions? 21