Competency Area 2: Communication with Youth
This competency area focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that youth service professionals need to successfully interact with and develop supportive relationships with youth, including youth with disabilities. Click on individual competencies listed below for learning objectives, professional development activities, and resources for that specific competency or scroll down to read them all. Note: The letter “D” indicates a competency specific to youth with disabilities.
List of Competencies
2.1 Respect and caring for all youth, including the ability to be open minded and nonjudgmental, develop trusting relationships, and maintain awareness of diversity and youth culture
2.1 Respect and caring for all youth, including the ability to be open minded and non-judgmental, develop trusting relationships, and maintain awareness of diversity and youth culture
Learning Objectives
- 2.1 Explore, identify, and describe your personal bias and awareness related to youth diversity, cultural, and gender issues
Selected Activities
- Take the US Immigration and Cultural Diversity WebQuest
- Take the Cultural Web Scavenger Hunt
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Successful completion of case study scenarios
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Center on Secondary Education & Transition (NCSET). (2005). Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Implications for Transition Personnel.
- National Consortium on Leadership & Disability for Youth (NCLD/Youth). (2008). Plotting the Course for Success: An Individualized Mentoring Plan for Youth with Disabilities. Written by R. Hare.
- NCWD/Youth. (2006). Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring. Written by J. Timmons, M. Mack, A. Sims, R. Hare, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. Five Areas of Youth Development & Youth Leadership.
- The Pacer Center’s Project Swift. (2004). Building Program Capacity to Serve Youth with Disabilities – Working with Family, Culture, and Disability.
Other Resources
- ACT for Youth. (2006). Positive Youth Development Resource Manual. [Recommended readings include: 4.1: Struggles and Strengths and 5.2: Feeling Safe – Creating Safe Environments.]
- Advocates for Youth. (1994). A Youth Leader’s Guide to Building Cultural Competence. (1993). Written by S. A. Messina. [Also see additional resources on this topic from Advocates for Youth.]
- Advocates for Youth. (2005). Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit.
- Closkey, M. A WWW Scavenger Hunt for ESOL Educators – Focus on Culture.
- The Community Toolbox. Chapter 27: Cultural Competence in a Multicultural World.
- Homelessness Resource Center. [This website provides facts, publications and resources on various topics including Best Practices for Providers, webcast presentations, and free online training.]
- National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. (2002). Outreach to People Experiencing Homelessness. [Training curriculum for outreach workers.]
- Sidorov, S. (2003). US Immigration and Cultural Diversity Web Quest.
- University of Maryland. Diversity Database – Moving Towards Community. [A comprehensive index of multicultural and diversity resources.]
2.2 Ability to recognize and address need for intervention (e.g. drug or alcohol abuse, domestic abuse or violence, and depression)
2.2 Ability to recognize and address need for intervention (e.g. drug or alcohol abuse, domestic abuse or violence, and depression)
Learning Objectives
- 2.2.1 Describe several reasons for enacting youth intervention strategies for related issues such as drug or alcohol abuse, domestic abuse or violence, and depression
- 2.2.2 List steps involved in carrying out your recommended intervention process for related issues such as drug or alcohol abuse, domestic abuse or violence, and depression
- 2.2.3 List valuable resources for effective intervention strategies
Selected Activities
- Develop a behavioral warning signs checklist
- Develop a resource list including local, state, and national resources
- Explore Online Screening Tools
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop and maintain an updated resource list related to intervention resources for the various issues including local, state, and national resources
- Successful completion of case study
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Bullying Prevention Center. [This website is a project of the PACER Center and includes resources for youth, parents, schools, and youth service professionals.]
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Guideposts for Success for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections System.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Making the Right Turn: A Guide About Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections Systems. Written by J. Gannon & C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth (2008). Guideposts for Success for Youth with Mental Health Needs.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). Tunnels and Cliffs: A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needs. Written by M. Podmostko.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Needs to Meaningful Employment and Independent Living. Written by L. Woosley & J. Katz-Leavy.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 25. (2009). Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System: Practical Considerations.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 24. (2009). Helping Youth with Mental Health Needs Avoid Transition Cliffs: Lessons from Pioneering Transition Programs.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 23. (2009). Successful Transition Models for Youth with Mental Health Needs: A Guide for Workforce Professionals.
- NCWD/Youth Short Cuts, No. 5. (2008). Navigating Tunnels and Cliffs: Empowering Families and Caregivers to Assist Youth with Mental Health Needs in Preparing for Work.
PACER Center. (2009). What Youth Need to Know if They Are Questioned by Police.
Other Resources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Adolescent and School Health. [This website covers a range of health and wellness issues including physical fitness and nutrition, sexual health and risks, alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse, injury and violence, suicide prevention, and more.]
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Violence Prevention Resources. [This website contains resources on various topics including: Youth Violence; Intimate Partner Violence; Child Maltreatment; and Suicide Prevention.]
- Drug Policy Alliance. (2007). Safety First: A Reality Based Approach to Teens and Drugs.
- Iowa Child Abuse Resource. (2011). Child Abuse: A Guide for Mandatory Reporters.
- Kantor, G. & Jasinski, J. (1998). Dynamics and Risk Factors in Partner Violence: Chapter Summary.
- National Institute of Justice. (2003). Batterer Intervention Programs: Where Do We Go From Here? U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.
- National Youth Gang Center. Publications.
- NYU Child Study Center. About Our Kids A-Z Disorder Guide.
- Pierce College Chemical Dependency Studies Program. (2003). Mandatory Reporting Law.
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse.
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
- SAMHSA. Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness.
- West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. About Domestic Violence – How You Can Help and Safety Planning.
2.3 Ability to advocate for, motivate, recruit, and engage youth
2.3 Ability to advocate for, motivate, recruit, and engage youth
Learning Objectives
- 2.3.1 List and describe successful strategies to help advocate for youth
- 2.3.2 List and describe successful strategies to help motivate youth
- 2.3.3 List and describe successful strategies to help recruit youth
- 2.3.4 List and describe successful strategies to help engage youth
Selected Activities
- Take the Career Circuit Coach online tutorial on Increasing Youth Initiative, Responsibility, and Motivation
- Explore several youth advocacy strategies and programs, and then list the advantages/disadvantages of these programs as they apply to your organizational needs
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Prepare a matrix that describes program possibilities for your organization which would address ideas to help advocate for, motivate, recruit and/or engage youth
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Consortium on Leadership & Disability for Youth (NCLD/Youth). (2007). A Guide to Legislative Advocacy for Youth with Disabilities. Written by R. Hare. [Also available in Spanish.]
- NCLD/Youth. (2008). Plotting the Course for Success: An Individualized Mentoring Plan for Youth with Disabilities. Written by R. Hare.
- NCLD/Youth. (2008). Am I Learning to Lead? [This is a self assessment tool for youth.]
- NCLD/Youth. (2008). Are They Learning to Lead? [This is a tool that staff can use to assess leadership skills in youth.]
- NCWD/Youth. Youth Development Jump Start.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). Blazing the Trail: A New Direction for Youth Development and Youth Leadership. Written by R. Hare & C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth Info Brief, Issue 11. (2005). Youth Development and Leadership in Programs.
- National Youth Employment Coalition. PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 2.1 Target Youth (see recruitment strategies); 2.7 Youth Engagement; and 3.1-3.5 Youth Development Competencies. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement.]
- PACER Center. (2006). Be Your Own Best Advocate Action Sheet.
Other Resources
- ACT for Youth. (2006). Positive Youth Development Resource Manual. [Recommended readings include: Section 3, Youth Involvement; and Section 5, Effective Youth Development Programming.]
- The Community Toolbox. “Creating and Facilitating Peer Support Groups,” in Chapter 21: Enhancing Support, Incentives, and Resources.
- The Community Toolbox. Chapter 41: Rewarding Accomplishments.
- Hall, G. & Gruber, D. (2007). Back to the Future: Engaging Older Youth.
- National Youth Advocacy Coalition. Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit.
- LearningWork Connection. (2005). Recruiting and Retaining Out-of-School Youth. Center for Learning Excellence, The Ohio State University. Written by C. R. Sturko Grossman.
- Postsecondary Education Research Center. (2007). PERC Self-Advocacy Checklist.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Engaging Out-of-School Youth.
- Technical Assistance Partnership for Child & Family Mental Health. (2005). Youth Involvement in Systems of Care: A Guide to Empowerment. [Also available in Spanish.]
- Youth Advocacy Center & The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Division (2002). Rights and Advocacy Guidelines.
2.4D Knowledge of issues and trends affecting youth with disabilities (e.g. low expectations, attitudinal or environmental barriers, need for social integration)
2.4.D Knowledge of issues and trends affecting youth with disabilities (e.g. low expectations, attitudinal or environmental barriers, need for social integration)
Learning Objectives
- 2.4.D List and describe issues and trends that affect youth with disabilities as it applies to your organization
Selected Activities
- Research what disabilities issues and trends that particularly affect your community or region
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Prepare a matrix that describes program possibilities for your organization including ideas to help address issues/barriers and current trends affecting youth with disabilities
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Center on Secondary Education & Transition (NCSET). (2007). Self-Determination for Middle and High School Students: Emerging & Promising Practices.
- NCSET. NCSET Topics.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). Blazing the Trail: A New Direction for Youth Development and Youth Leadership. Written by R. Hare & C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth. Attitudinal Barriers for People with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2010). Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2009). Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges.
- NCWD/Youth. (2009). Cyber Disclosure for Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2011). Graduation Requirements and Diploma Options: What Families Need to Know (Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 article in National PTA Magazine).
- NCWD/Youth. (2009). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Families, Educators, Youth Service Professionals, and Adult Allies Who Care About Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Making the Right Turn: A Guide About Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections Systems. Written by J. Gannon & C. Richards.
- The Pacer Center’s Project Swift (2004). Building Program Capacity to Serve Youth with Disabilities – Session 6: Juvenile Justice and Youth with Disabilities.
Other Resources
- Child Trends. Lifecourse Interventions to Nurture Kids Successfully (LINKS): Programs That Work – Or Don’t –To Enhance Children’s Development.
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, & Technology (DO-IT). (2010). Taking Charge: Stories of Success and Self-Determination.
- National Council on Disability (2009). National Disability Policy: A Progress Report.
2.5D Understanding of disability awareness, sensitivity, and culture
2.5.D Understanding of disability awareness, sensitivity, and culture
Learning Objectives
- 2.5.D Explore, list, and describe your personal bias and understanding related to youth disability awareness, sensitivity, and culture
Selected Activities
- Read and complete some of the exercises in “Proven Strategies for Addressing Unconscious Bias in the Workplace.”
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Review a videotape of yourself or employers presenting an educational or interpretive program, and make note of any bias you notice. For each type of bias you identify, write a statement on the potential impact of that bias on the individual, and develop an alternative teaching strategy to mitigate the bias
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Consortium on Leadership & Disability for Youth (NCLD/Youth) (2007). Disability History Timeline: Resource and Discussion Guide
- NCWD/Youth. Attitudinal Barriers for People with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. Communicating With and About People with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. Disability Etiquette.
- The Pacer Center’s Project Swift (2004). Building Program Capacity to Serve Youth with Disabilities – Session 1: Disability Awareness – The Basics.
Other Resources
- Easter Seals. Myths and Facts About People with Disabilities.
- National Park Service. (2000). “Identifying & Removing Bias” Training Component in Module 201: Identifying and Removing Bias from Interpretive and Educational Programming.
- VSA Arts. (2006). Access and Opportunities: A Guide to Disability Awareness.
2.6D Understanding of how to communicate with youth with various physical, sensory, psychiatric, and cognitive disabilities
2.6.D Understanding of how to communicate with youth with various physical, sensory, psychiatric, and cognitive disabilities
Learning Objectives
- 2.6.D.1 List and describe a variety of ways to increase communication with youth with various physical, sensory, psychiatric, and cognitive disabilities
Selected Activities
- Engage in ReCAPP’s Learning Activities
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop a guide for communicating with youth with various activities; train colleagues
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. Attitudinal Barriers for People with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. Communicating With and About People with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. Disability Etiquette.
Other Resources
- Association of Science-Technology Centers. Best Practices – Visitors with Disabilities.
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Searchable Online Accommodation Resource.
- VSA Arts. (2006). Access and Opportunities: A Guide to Disability Awareness.
