© 2007, PACER Center How Parents Can Prepare Youth for Success in Employment Texas Transition Conference 02/21/2013

Page 2 Session Agenda 1.Straight talk about employment 2.What you need to know about employment 3.Accommodations, Disclosure, and Interviewing 4.Self-Employment 5.Who Helps? 6.Closing thoughts, questions, and evaluations

Page 3 Why Is Work Important? Feeling of worth in contributing to society “Meaningful days” Learn social skills and responsibility Combats isolation and depression It’s what adults do Others?

The Employer Perspective Employers are looking for: A good attitude about working Honesty Punctuality Good communication skills Reliability Appropriate behavior Willingness to learn new things Page 4

Page 5 Self-Awareness Many youth don’t know what their disability is, or haven’t practiced telling others about it. It is crucial that youth know how their disability affects them in school and employment (to the greatest extent possible).

Page 6 Work Skills Your youth can become better prepared for work by building strengths in these core work skills: Solving problems and making decisions Using technology Reading and doing math at a basic level Understanding the employer’s goals 6

A Quick Story Page 7

A Quick Story Page 8

Page 9 “Soft Skills” Employers also seek employees who have strong interpersonal communication and responsibility skills. Does your youth: Maintain personal appearance? Communicate so others can understand? Show personal responsibility, including showing up for work on time? Take work direction? Have enthusiasm and a good attitude? 9

Let’s Practice Building responsibility Maintain appearance Working well with others Keeping a positive attitude Taking work direction Showing initiative Page 10

Page 11 Using Personal Networks Relationships, not Want Ads, yield the most job opportunities Your first job? Everyone has a network within the community they can utilize

Page 12 The Resume and Volunteering Every job seeker needs a resume. Beware of gaps…red flag for employers Be creative with what’s listed. Paid employment is not the only example of work experience and skills Volunteering is an excellent way to build work skills and fill a resume

Page 13 The Interview Practice the basics Never stress the disability, only strengths Avoid giving too much information Coach young person on responses to disability related questions Although they may be allowed to participate, parents or service providers have no legal right to be in on an interview

Let’s Practice It is crucial that you communicate your value to an employer. I am ______, and that allows me to _________. Example: I am precise, and that allows me to finish tasks accurately. Page 14

Page 15 Disability Disclosure It may be necessary for a youth to disclose a disability during the interview process Only necessary if accommodation is needed Disclosure is a personal choice Youth should role play answering questions during interview, especially if asked something illegal 411 On Disability Disclosure (NCWD-Youth) youth.info/resources_&_Publications/411.html 2006 | PACER | 15

Who Helps? School County Disability Programs Vocational Rehabilitation Services Community Rehabilitation Providers Workforce Centers Families Communities Page 16

Page 17 Closing Thoughts Practice Applications Kiosks Transportation Postsecondary Education Self Employment First job should not be the last job. Never stop expecting great things!!

Page 18 Contact Information Sean Roy