Employment: Resources & Guides (14-21 Years)

This guide covers topics and covers supports like vocational rehabilitation and transportation. It was created by youth and adult partners from the National Youth Action Council on Transition (YouthACT). It is written for adolescents looking for employment.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) published this guide. The Office of Special Education Programs (along with partners in the Rehabilitation Services Administration) has issued this guide to advance efforts in ensuring that all students and youth with disabilities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be engaged in the 21st century workforce.

This transition guide addresses the following topics to facilitate a seamless transition from school to post-school activities:
Transition planning: opportunities and programs
Transition services and requirements, as authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act;
Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school; Supporting decisions made by students and youth with disabilities.

Employment First is a national initiative that is a critical priority for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). It is to invest in systems that result in increased community-based, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities. This priority reflects a framework for a systems change that is centered on the premise that all citizens, including individuals with significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in integrated employment and community life.

To learn more about federal resources and agendas please visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor website.

In Ohio, Employment First means giving every individual with a disability the opportunity to work in the community alongside non-disabled peers. Ohio task-force states that every person has abilities, skills and talents to enrich the community and people around us. We envision a time when every working-age adult with developmental disabilities has opportunity to explore their career options and seek jobs that fit their skills and interests.

To learn more about what Employment First looks like in Ohio visit the Ohio Employment First website.

Transition planning is crucial for successful employment post-high school. The Ohio Employment First Transition Task-force has created helpful materials to guide IEP teams and families in creating a comprehensive transition plan.

To see resources and documents visit the Ohio Employment First website.

This guide includes strategies to help youth and their families access the full range of support available to prepare them for successful transition into integrated, competitive employment.

Guide from the National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth on getting and making the most of an internship.

JFSA is guided by traditional Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice. They offer several programs to assist teens and adults with disabilities with residential services, employment services, community inclusion, and family advocacy.

The Horvitz YouthAbility program offers volunteering and job training opportunities for disabled and at-risk youth and young adults.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services help people prepare for employment based on their skills and interests.
Adult Day Program offers group and individual day respite activities.

An online guide to help direct individuals looking for community employment in the state of Ohio. There are downloadable tools that assist in defining the applicant’s skill set, as well as a tutorial on the job seeking process.

For more information about Employment First, a program through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities visit their website.

NCWD/Youth works to ensure that transition age youth are provided full access to high quality services in integrated settings to gain education, employment and independent living.

​The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODD) is committed to improving the quality of life for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families. Offering support across the lifespan of people with developmental disabilities, the department oversees a statewide system of supportive services that focus on assuring health and safety, supporting access to community participation, and increasing opportunities for meaningful employment.

Website offering state laws and information pertaining to youth with disabilities pursuing vocational and career-technical training.

This website provides individuals, families and professionals with the information needed to create opportunities for all individuals with developmental disabilities to work within the community.

You can submit an event related to employment, request a speaker for their event, or simply email us. Information on state policy, best practices, resources, taskforce updates and an event calendar is available to anyone who visits the website.

Formally known as Employment Connection.

Serves youth aged 14 through 21 with skill assessment and job skill training.

A comprehensive training and employment research site, available to match jobs with potential applicants. There are multiple resources relating to job training, career planning, and budget planning.

Vocational Assistance helps individuals with disabilities find a job and be more independent. This involves deciding if a person is eligible, setting an employment goal, putting the goal into a plan, and getting the job services and training needed to get a job. Job coaching and other employment services may also be involved.

Formally known as Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is the State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence. We are also charged with making determinations on Social Security disability.

They have an online tool that allows staff and vocational rehabilitation (VR) participants to research available providers in their area. Searches can be targeted by a specific VR service, or by county, city, address, provider type (i.e. Employment First) or provider name. The OOD Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) Scorecards will also be part of this new tool.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy training curriculum focused on teaching workforce readiness skills to youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills.
The curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21.

Skills covered include: Communication, Enthusiasm & Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Problem Solving & Critical Thinking, and Professionalism.

Guidebook on services available in the state of Ohio to individuals seeking employment and provides information on further education.

Employment assistance for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent college graduates with a disability.