Family Involvement & Supports

All youth need parents, families and other caring adults who have:

• High expectations which build upon the young person’s strengths, interests, and needs and fosters their ability to achieve independence and self-sufficiency;
• Been involved in their lives and assisting them toward adulthood;
• Access to information about employment, further education and community resources;
• Taken an active role in transition planning with schools and community partners;and,
• Access to medical, professional and peer support networks.

In addition, youth with disabilities need parents, families and other caring adults who have:

• An understanding of their youth’s disability and how it affects his or her education, employment and/or daily living options;
• Knowledge of rights and responsibilities under various disability-related legislation;
• Knowledge of and access to programs, services, supports and accommodations available for young people with disabilities; and,
• An understanding of how individualized planning tools can assist youth in achieving transition goals and objectives.

The workforce development system has two primary customers: employers and job seekers. Meeting the needs of both of these consumers continues to challenge many workforce development programs. For more than two decades large and small employers have remained consistent in their expectations. Specifically, businesses want publicly funded providers of education and training services to:

• Understand and respect their needs;
• Provide skilled workers and support in hiring and retaining qualified job seekers; and,
• Coordinate efforts with and through employer led industry sector organizations and general business organizations.