The Way to Work: How to Facilitate Work Experiences for Youth in Transition

As groundbreaking legislation redefines transition practices and ideal employment outcomes for young people with disabilities, professionals need practical, up-to-date guidance on helping young adults achieve competitive, integrated employment. The new edition of this classic bestseller is your complete guide to facilitating individualized, person-centered work experiences for high school students and young adults with a range of disabilities. The first book that clearly explains how to effectively apply the requirements of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), The Way to Work gives you the knowledge you need to adhere to the new rules and leverage new opportunities to benefit youth in transition. You’ll also get the latest on critical topics covered in the first edition, from determining student strengths and needs to recruiting employer partners and designing positive work experiences. Informed by the author’s three decades of experience promoting the employment success of people with disabilities, this reader-friendly guide is a must-have for transition professionals, special educators, and other professionals supporting young adults as they begin a long and fulfilling career.GET NEW GUIDANCE ON HOW TONavigate the newest federal legislation on transition to workApply principles of the latest transition modelsPlan workplace accommodations with employer participationAddress recent wage regulationsInvolve families in planning work experiencesSUPPORT THE WHOLE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS: Assess students’ strengths, needs, and interests * Recruit employer partners * Design work experiences that benefit both employer and employee * Help students decide when and how to disclose a disability * Promote students’ social skills * Guide students in advocating for work accommodations * Facilitate workplace mentorship for young people * Collaborate with families and professionals to support the work experiencePRACTICAL MATERIALS: You’ll get planning organizers, interview guides, worksheets, and other downloadable forms to help you put recommended strategies into practice.