Tips for Employment

“For youth with disabilities, one of the most important research findings shows that work experience during high school helps them get jobs at higher wages after they graduate.”
-NCWD/Youth, Hot topic: Work-Based Learning, 2003 Volume 2

1. Talk to teachers, other adults and older siblings about work and getting involved in the community and ideas on where your child might volunteer or work.

2. Choose courses and electives that match your child’s goals.

3. Get your child involved in early work experiences such as job shadowing, volunteering, having an internship, and having a summer job. Reflect on what they liked or didn’t like about volunteer and work experiences.

4. Identify how your child will get to and from the job.

5. Learn the basics of the interview process and practice an interview.

6. Help your child learn to speak about their abilities and disability and to describe accommodations that are helpful.

7. Assign paid chores at home that include larger responsibilities, like washing the car.

Tips for Independent Living

1. Practice “taking charge,” such as gathering information and making appointments.

2. As your child gets older, have them take on increasing responsibility and build independent living skills.

3. Involve your child in learning to use money as you go shopping, visit the bank and pay for things together.

4. Look for opportunities for social interactions in the community. Introduce your child to community resources like the YMCA and the library.

5. Support your son/daughter in learning how to plan trips on public transit. Determine whether he or she will need travel training in order to use public transportation safely and independently.

The following video tutorial discusses preparation for the expenses involved in life after high school. It shows teens the value of looking at the salary range of their employment goal and comparing it to their independent living plans, items to consider adding to a budget, and getting help with independent living through writing a goal for their IEP.

A great way for parents of children with disabilities to receive information and support is through a parent support group.  Support groups help to create a sense of community and understanding with other parents. They can provide a space to discuss problems and share ideas and help. Review the suggested resources for locating a support group online or in your community.

Parent Center Network
Parent Centers provide training, information and assistance to families of children with all disabilities ages birth to 26 years. A Parent Center can help you with a number of topics, including: communicating with special education professionals, obtaining services through the IEP, and understanding your child’s disability and their educational, developmental and transitional needs.