
Competency Area 3: Assessment and Individualized Planning
This competency area focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that youth service professionals need to conduct assessments, use assessment results, and develop individualized plans 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.
3.1 Ability to facilitate person-centered planning, including the ability to assess goals, interests, past experience, learning styles, academic skills, assets, independent living skills, and needs (e.g. transportation, etc.)
3.1 Ability to facilitate person-centered planning, including the ability to assess goals, interests, past experience, learning styles, academic skills, assets, independent living skills, and needs (e.g. transportation, etc.)
Learning Objectives
- 3.1.1 Describe strategies for increasing advocacy for person-centered planning, including the ability to assess goals, interests, past experience, learning styles, academic skills, assets, independent living skills, and needs (e.g. transportation, housing, others)
- 3.1.2 Ability to create a plan for developing and implementing a person-centered, asset-based career planning process for youth, including all components of the process and the internal and external resources needed to support it
Selected Activities
- Take the Cornell Person-Centered Planning Education Site online course
- Map the processes needed to identify the components and resources needed for a person-centered planning process for youth
- Utilize several interactive learning style instruments such as:
- Index of Learning Styles, a self-scoring questionnaire (Learn more about this tool)
- Creative Student Assessments (See Appendix D Questionnaire for Assessing Learning Styles & Preferences), from Canada’s National Adult Literacy Database, Inc.
- Utilize several interactive skill and interest assessment tools such as:
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Complete the relevant activities found in the Cornell Person-Centered Planning Education Site online course
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- 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. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2010). Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities. Written by J. Timmons, J. Wills, J. Kemp, R. Basha & M. Mooney.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). The High School/High Tech Program Guide: A Comprehensive Transition Program Promoting Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for Youth with Disabilities. [Read pp. 4-1 to 4-5 on “Putting Youth in Control of their Destiny” in Chapter 4]. Written by S. Rhodes.
- NCWD/Youth. (2006). Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities. Written by J. Timmons, M. Mack, A. Sims & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 26. (2010). Understanding the Role of Individualized Learning Plans in Transition Planning for Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 20. (2008). Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. (2004). Youth Assessment Jump Start.
- National Youth Employment Coalition. PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, Standard 2.5 Individual Planning and Guidance. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement with NYEC.]
Other Resources
- California Department of Developmental Services. Individual Program Planning. [Resources for facilitating person-centered individual program planning.]
- CareerOneStop.org.[Explore various careers, skill requirements, and training options using links on this homepage including Education & Training and Explore Careers. Use the “More Resources” section to access a further wide-range of job & career tools.]
- Casey Family Programs. Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA). [This is a free suite of comprehensive online assessments, learning plans, and learning resources.]
- Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies (CHPLDS). The Politics of Person Centered Planning. Syracuse University. Written by J. O’Brien & C. L. O’Brien.
- Employment & Disability Institute. Person Centered Planning Education Site. Cornell University.
- Felder, R. Learning Styles and Index of Learning Styles. North Carolina State University.
- Institute on Community Integration (ICI). (2001). A Manual for Person-Centered Planning Facilitators. University of Minnesota. Written by A. N. Amado & M. McBride.
- LearningWork Connection. Goal Setting Tools and Tips. Center for Learning Excellence, The Ohio State University. [This is a template for goal setting with youth.]
- LearningWork Connection. (2008). Goal Setting in WIA Youth Programs. Center for Learning Excellence, The Ohio State University. Written by C. R. Sturko Grossman.
- LearningWork Connection. (2004). Goal Setting and Skills Attainment in Youth Programs. Center for Learning Excellence, The Ohio State University. Written by S. Kerka.
- Monster.com. Career Advice, Interviewing, & Resumes Homepage. The following resources may be especially useful: Career Assessment and Career Snapshots.
- Muskingum College Center for Advancement of Learning. Learning Strategies Database.
- National Adult Literacy Database, Inc. Creative Student Assessments.
- National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC ). (2010). Age Appropriate Transition Assessment Toolkit. Written by C. H. Fowler, A. R. Walker, & D. Rowe.
- Partnership for People with Disabilities. (2007). I Want a Good Life: Supporting My Life with My Plan Workbook. Virginia Commonwealth University.
- OSEP Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
- School & Main Institute. (2003). You and the Youth in the Middle: Effective Case Management. Developed for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. [Read sections on Assessment and Individual Service Strategy & Placement.]
- Thomas Adams, A., Franklin, S., & Taylor, R. (2004). Case Management: A Resource Manual. Prepared for the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. [Read sections on Assessment and Case Planning/ISS Development.]
- U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. What Do You Like? – Exploring Career Information.
- U. S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. Improving Services & Performance: Toolkit for Effective Front-line Services to Youth. [Refer to strategies and tools in Ch. 2 Assessment And Development of an Individual Service Strategy.]
- University of Maryland, Department of Education. Needs Assessment for Students with Significant Disabilities.
- Wagner, J. O. & Wonacott, M. E. (2008). Developing an Individual Service Strategy (ISS). Focused Futures Youth Development System Builder. Ohio State University.
3.2 Ability to involve youth in their own planning process by helping youth to set realistic goals and action steps, make informed choices, exercise self-determination, and actively participate in own development (includes financial/benefits planning and educational requirements)
3.2 Ability to involve youth in their own planning process by helping youth to set realistic goals and action steps, make informed choices, exercise self-determination, and actively participate in own development (includes financial/benefits planning and educational requirements)
Learning Objectives
- 3.2.1 List and describe strategies to involve youth in their own planning process
Selected Activities
- Utilize several interactive skill and interest assessment tools such as:
- Use the Transition Information Summary form from NCWD/Youth’s “Career Planning Begins with Assessment” guide to interview young people
- Have class discussion of what was observed in the interviews, how informed the youth were about their goals, and what kind of plans (if any) they have to achieve their goals
- Take what you have learned from the interviews and discussion, and develop an outline of a career plan for the young person interviewed
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Design a program appropriate for your organizational setting that will help promote youth in their own planning process
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- 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.
- National Consortium on Leadership & Disability for Youth (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. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2010). Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities. Written by J. Timmons, J. Wills, J. Kemp, R. Basha & M. Mooney.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). The High School/High Tech Program Guide: A Comprehensive Transition Program Promoting Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for Youth with Disabilities. [Read pp. 4-1 to 4-5 on “Putting Youth in Control of their Destiny” in Chapter 4]. Written by S. Rhodes.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities.
- 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. (2010). Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal Assistance Services (PAS): A Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood.
- NCWD/Youth. (2006). Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities. Written by J. Timmons, M. Mack, A. Sims & J. and Wills.
Other Resources
- America’s Career Resource Network (ACRN). National Career Development Guidelines.
- The Finance Project. (2005). Providing and Funding Financial Literacy Programs for Low-Income Adults and Youth. Written by P. Friedman.
- Gibbons, M. (2008). Motivating Students and Teaching Them to Motivate Themselves and Becoming Self-Directed.
- McCay, D. R. Helping Your Child Make Career Choices – Part 1: Getting an Early Start and Tips for Teens Who Toil, Part 1: Entering the World of Work.
- National Center on Secondary Education & Transition (NCSET). (2006). Choices in Transition: A Model for Career Development. Information Brief, Volume 5, Issue 1. Written by F.E. Balcazar, R.N. Ostrander & T. Garate.
- National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC ). (2010). Age Appropriate Transition Assessment Toolkit. Written by C. H. Fowler, A. R. Walker, & D. Rowe.
- Ohio State University. (2008). Developing an Individual Service Strategy (ISS). Focused Futures Youth Development System Builder. Written by J. O. Wagner & M. E. Wonacott.
- School & Main Institute. (2003). You and the Youth in the Middle: Effective Case Management. Developed for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. [Read sections on Assessment and Individual Service Strategy & Placement.]
- State of the Art, Inc. My Future, My Plan: Workbook and Family/Teacher Guide.
- Talent Knows No Limits. (2011). Youth Transition Toolkit. [This website for youth provides guidance on developing skills and making decisions related to independent living skills and other transition issues.]
- Technical Assistance Partnership for Child & Family Mental Health. (2005). Youth Involvement in Systems of Care: A Guide to Empowerment. [Also available in Spanish.]
- Thomas Adams, A., Franklin, S., & Taylor, R. (2004). Case Management: A Resource Manual. Prepared for the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. [Read sections on Assessment and Case Planning/ISS Development.]
- U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. What Do You Like? – Exploring Career Information.
- Waisman Center. Wisconsin Healthy and Ready to Work Project – Publications. University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- Waisman Center. University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: All Products. University of Wisconsin, Madison.
3.3 Knowledge of various assessment tools and strategies and ability to administer assessments (or make referrals, as needed)
3.3 Knowledge of various assessment tools and strategies and ability to administer assessments (or make referrals, as needed)
Learning Objectives
- 3.3.1 List and describe various assessment tools and strategies in the major assessment domains and categories
- 3.3.2 Administer at least one assessment in the appropriate categories of the educational, psychological, and vocational testing domains
Selected Activities
- Utilize several interactive learning style instruments such as:
- Index of Learning Styles, a self-scoring questionnaire (Learn more about this tool)
- Creative Student Assessments (See Appendix D Questionnaire for Assessing Learning Styles & Preferences), from Canada’s National Adult Literacy Database, Inc.
- Utilize several interactive skill and interest assessment tools such as:
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Prepare a description of your personal learning style. Describe how someone with that style should be instructed
- Prepare an short informational guide on matching skills to career using online resources
- Use one of the skill matching sites above with another individual, then score and explain the results
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2010). Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities. [See pp. 3-3 to 3-7 on “Using Assessments” in Chapter 3]. Written by J. Timmons, J. Wills, J. Kemp, R. Basha & M. Mooney.
- NCWD/Youth. (2011). Using Career Interest Inventories to Inform Career Planning. Innovative Strategies Practice Brief.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 20. (2008). Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. (2004). Youth Assessment Jump Start.
- NCWD/Youth Short Cuts No. 1. (2007). Screening or Assessment?
Other Resources
- CAST. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Online Modules. [These modules introduce the theory, principles and application of Universal Design for Learning, including how it applies to assessment.]
- Fleming, N. (2007). The VARK Questionnaire – How Do I Learn Best? (Copyright held by Neil D. Fleming, Christchurch, New Zealand).
- Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center. Tools and Checklists.
- National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC ). (2010). Age Appropriate Transition Assessment Toolkit. Written by C. H. Fowler, A. R. Walker, & D. Rowe.
- National Adult Literacy Database, Inc. Creative Student Assessments.
- The Riley Guide. Self-Assessment Resource.
- School & Main Institute. (2003). You and the Youth in the Middle: Effective Case Management. Developed for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. [Read sections on Assessment and Individual Service Strategy & Placement.]
- Thomas Adams, A., Franklin, S., & Taylor, R. (2004). Case Management: A Resource Manual. Prepared for the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. [Read section on Assessment.]
- UNC Wilmington Career Center. Assessments – Career Interests, Personality & Other. University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. What Do You Like? – Exploring Career Information.
- Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI). (2009). Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology. 5th Edition. Edited by J. Gierach.
3.4 Ability to track progress and change plans as needed
3.4 Ability to track progress and change plans as needed
Learning Objectives
- 3.4.1 Describe the methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating career information and assessment results to the youth and person-centered planning team in order to adjust the career plan and objectives
Selected Activities
- Read Chapter 1: Understanding the Terrain of Assessment in NCWD/Youth’s “Career Planning Begins with Assessment” guide related to assessment activities.
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Prepare a guideline of what type of assessments have been used or could be used in your organizational setting and ways to track changes over time
- Rewrite a career plan or describe how it would change given someone changes career desires in mid-stream
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- 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. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2006). Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities. Written by J. Timmons, M. Mack, A. Sims & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 26. (2010). Understanding the Role of Individualized Learning Plans in Transition Planning for Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. (2004). Youth Assessment Jump Start.
Other Resources
- LearningWork Connection. (2008). Effective Case Notes. Center for Learning Excellence, The Ohio State University. Written by M. E. Wonacott.
- Ohio State University. (2008). Developing an Individual Service Strategy (ISS). Focused Futures Youth Development System Builder. Written by J. O. Wagner & M. E. Wonacott.
- School & Main Institute. (2003). You and the Youth in the Middle: Effective Case Management. Developed for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. [Read sections on Assessment and Individual Service Strategy & Placement.]
- Thomas Adams, A., Franklin, S., & Taylor, R. (2004). Case Management: A Resource Manual. Prepared for the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. [Read sections on Case Planning/ISS Development; Implementing the Case Plan/Delivery of Services; and Record-Keeping.]
- U. S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. Improving Services & Performance: Toolkit for Effective Front-line Services to Youth. [Refer to strategies and tools in Ch. 2 Assessment And Development of an Individual Service Strategy; Ch.3 Meeting the Needs of the Labor Market; and Ch. 4 Implementing the Case Plan/Individual Service Strategy (ISS) and Monitoring Outcomes.]
3.5D Ability to ensure appropriate assessment of young peoples’ disabilities (in-house or through referrals, as necessary)
3.5.D Ability to ensure appropriate assessment of young peoples’ disabilities (in-house or through referrals, as necessary)
Learning Objectives
- 3.5.D.1 List and describe 1) screening tools for various disabilities, 2) the professionals and organizations to whom youth could be referred for additional testing, and 3) the types of medical, cognitive, or psychological tests that might be administered to identify a disability
Selected Activities
- Review Chapter 2: The Dynamics of Disabilities in NCWD/Youth’s “Career Planning Begins with Assessment” guide.
Read real neuropsychiatric or medical reports for youth who have been identified as having a disability
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Successfully complete and/or facilitate and support an appropriate assessment of young peoples’ disabilities
- Describe how the disability identified would affect the career plan in relation to accommodations, assistive technology, learning delivery methods, or other pertinent areas
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2010). Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities. [See pp. 3-3 to 3-7 on “Using Assessments” in Chapter 3]. Written by J. Timmons, J. Wills, J. Kemp, R. Basha & M. Mooney.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. (2004). Youth Assessment Jump Start.
- NCWD/Youth Short Cuts Number 1. (2007). Screening or Assessment?.
Other Resources
- CAST. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Online Modules. [These modules introduce the theory, principles and application of Universal Design for Learning, including how it applies to assessment.]
- Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center. Tools and Checklists.
- Massachusetts Department of Education. Making Referrals for Diagnosis of Suspected Learning Disabilities: Suggestions for Practitioners. [Power Point Presentation]
- National Alternative Assessment Center (NAAC). Tools for Alternative Assessment.
- National Center on Education Outcomes (NCEO). Alternative Assessments for Students with Disabilities: Overview.
- National Center for Learning Disabilities. (2009). Determining Appropriate Assessment Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. A Parent Advocacy Brief written by C. Cortiella.
- National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC ). (2010). Age Appropriate Transition Assessment Toolkit. Written by C. H. Fowler, A. R. Walker, & D. Rowe.
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). (2007). Assessment and Accommodations. Written by S. D. Luke & A. Schwartz.
3.6D Understanding how to use information from assessments and records and recognize implications for education and employment, including any potential need for accommodations and assistive technology
3.6.D Understanding how to use information from assessments and records and recognize implications for education and employment, including any potential need for accommodations and assistive technology
Learning Objectives
- 3.6.D.1 Analyze data, review records, and communicate results to facilitate educational and employment decisions
- 3.6.D.2 List and describe various assessment accommodations and modifications and their appropriate use
Selected Activities
- Explore the NCWD/Youth’s assessment resources including references
- Review real career plans for youth with and without disabilities to see how data is analyzed, goals are set, and other differences or similarities
- Develop profiles of real or fictitious youth with disabilities that include assessment information, record reviews, and other information that would inform educational and/or career experiences. To accomplish this, research assistive technology and accommodations information and guidelines from test publishers, the state, the child’s Individual Education Program (IEP), or other sources
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Draft a preliminary career plan, including any accommodation, modification, or assistive technology needs for the youth
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities.
- 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 InfoBrief, Issue 14. (2005). Breaking Down Technological Barriers.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 6. (2003). Personal Assistance Services on the Job.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 20. (2008). Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. (2004). Youth Assessment Jump Start.
Other Resources
- Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center. Tools and Checklists.
- LD Online. Accommodations & Modifications.
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). (2007). Assessment and Accommodations. Written by S. D. Luke & A. Schwartz.
- NICHCY. (2010). Ten Basic Steps in Special Education.
- Transition Coalition. (2003). The Community Transition Program: Experiences Starting a Community-Based Program for Students Ages 18-21. University of Kansas, Department of Special Education. Written by A. Baska, A. Kaufman & A. Gaumer.
- Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI). (2007). Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators About Assistive Technology. Written by P. Reed.
- WATI & Oregon Technology Access Program. (2001). Hey! Can I Try That? A Student Handbook for Choosing and Using Assistive Technology. Written by G. Bowser & P. Reed.
- WATI & Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10 (CESA). (2006). Teacher Resource Guide on Transition. Written by L. Berg, T. Canfield & P. Reed.
- WATI & CESA. (2006). Student Resource Guide on Transition. Written by L. Berg, T. Canfield & P. Reed.
3.7D Ability to assess independent/community living skills and needs, including accommodations and supports
3.7.D Ability to assess independent/community living skills and needs, including accommodations and supports
Learning Objectives
- 3.7.D.1 Analyze data, review records, and communicate results to facilitate independent/community living skills and needs, including accommodations and supports
Selected Activities
- Develop a few profiles of different youth you might encounter, and identify where you would make community connections for their supports
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Assess information, record and communicate results to facilitate independent/community living skills and needs, including accommodations and supports for one youth participating in your organizational setting
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
NCWD/Youth. (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities.
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 InfoBrief, Issue 16. (2005). Financial Literacy Information for Young People with Disabilities.
NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 6. (2003). Personal Assistance Services on the Job.
NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 14. (2005). Breaking Down Technological Barriers.
NCWD/Youth Jump Start. (2004). Youth Assessment Jump Start.
Other Resources
- Casey Family Programs. Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA). [This is a free suite of comprehensive online assessments, learning plans, and learning resources.]
- Healthy & Ready to Work National Resource Center. Tools and Checklists.
- Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD) & Research and Training Center on Community Living. (2005). IMPACT Feature Issue on Meeting Transportation Needs of Youth and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Volume 18, Number 3.
- Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs. Transition Developmental Checklist. [Provide guidance on key skills to support health and independence listed by age.]
- Talent Knows No Limits. (2011). Youth Transition Toolkit. [This website for youth provides guidance on developing skills and making decisions related to independent living skills and other transition issues.]
- Transition Coalition. (2003). The Community Transition Program: Experiences Starting a Community-Based Program for Students Ages 18-21. University of Kansas, Department of Special Education. Written by A. Baska, A. Kaufman & A. Gaumer.
3.8D Understanding of benefits planning, includes Social Security income and health benefits and their relation to working
3.8.D Understanding of benefits planning, includes Social Security income and health benefits and their relation to working
Learning Objectives
- 3.8.D.1 List and describe key elements of benefits planning, including Social Security income (SSI) and health benefits and their relation to working
Selected Activities
- Read the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s information about Disability and SSI Benefits
- Read information on SSA’s Work Site to learn about the implications of working on disability benefits and programs that support SSI/SSDI beneficiaries transitioning to work including the Ticket to Work program and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Projects
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Prepare a brief describing how a person receiving disability payments can return to work while maintaining needed benefits
- Write the section of the career plan relating to benefits planning—including having the youth do some of the research—based on the profile or scenario.
Other Resources
- The Disability Expert. Work Incentives for People Receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability Benefits.
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN). [JAN provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.]
- The Rural Institute. (2003). Don’t Hurt with Your Help!: The Case for Benefits Analysis. Written by M. Katz.
- Social Security Administration (SSA). Your Ticket to Work.
- SSA. Benefits for Children with Disabilities.
- SSA. Working While Disabled: A Guide To Plans For Achieving Self-Support.
- SSA. The Red Book: A Summary Guide to Employment Supports for Individuals with Disabilities Under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs.
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). Strategies: Benefits.
- WorkSupport.com. Resources: Benefits Counseling and Work Incentives.
- World Institute on Disability. Disability Benefits 101. [This website provides updated information on federal and state employment, health coverage, and other benefits for people living in California, Michigan, Minnesota and New Jersey with disabilities.]