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August 2010

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases Statistics on Persons with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (BLS) released information on 2009 labor force characteristics for persons with disabilities. Among other highlights, BLS found higher unemployment among persons with a disability than among persons without a disability and that nearly one-third of workers with a disability were employed part time, compared to about one-fifth of workers without a disability.

Read the BLS press release and find more information at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm.

NCWD/Youth Releases InfoBrief on Individual Learning Plans

NCWD/Youth Released an InfoBrief entitled "Understanding the Role of Individual Learning Plans in Transition Planning for Youth." This InfoBrief explains how schools and families can supplement the required Individualized Education Program (IEP) by using an optional Individual Learning Plan (ILP) as a tool to help youth successfully transition from high school to employment and postsecondary education.

Access the InfoBrief at www.ncwd-youth.info/ilp-infobrief.

July 2010

NCWD/Youth Releases Guide on Supporting Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities

NCWD/Youth released Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilities. This Guide is intended to help practitioners, administrators, and policymakers in secondary and postsecondary education programs, transition programs, One-Stop Career Centers, youth employment programs, and community rehabilitation programs to improve services and outcomes for youth, ages 14 to 25, with diagnosed and undiagnosed learning disabilities. This Guide includes numerous quick reference charts, tables, and tools for counselors, career advisors, and other professionals who work directly with youth. In-depth information is provided on a variety of topics, including the types and impact of learning disabilities, needed supports, and research-based interventions. This Guide is intended to increase awareness of the fact that the workforce development system serves many youth who have learning disabilities that may never have been identified and many others who may know they have a learning disability but choose not to disclose. Although focusing primarily on youth with learning disabilities, many of the strategies and approaches advocated in this Guide, which are premised on universal design, may be of practical use for other youth.

Access the Guide and learn more at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ld-guide.

NCWD/Youth Releases Youth Development and Leadership Youth Call-to-Action

NCWD/Youth released "Blazing the Trail: A New Direction for Youth Development and Leadership: A Youth Call-to-Action." Based on findings from the NCWD/Youth-organized Blazing the Trail summit in August 2007, the eight-page, youth-friendly Youth Call-to-Action" outlines ten actions that youth can take to enhance their development and become leaders in their community and the nation, including learning about their rights and responsibilities, becoming a self-advocate, learning about disability history, researching scholarships, participating in work experiences, training youth workers, and more.

Access the Youth Call-to-Action at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/blazing-the-trail-youth-call-to-action.

NTAR Webinar Features State Leadership Organizations on Transition

On July 22, the National Technical Assistance and Research Center to Promote Leadership for Increasing the Employment and Economic Independence of Adults with Disabilities (NTAR) convened a webinar entitled "Transitions: A Final Learning Exchange Between the State Leaders Innovation Institute and the State Leaders Peer Network. Over the past several years, the states participating in the NTAR Leadership Center's State Leaders Innovation Institute (SLII) - Connecticut, Maryland, and Minnesota - have formed new state-level partnerships, expanded disability employment efforts, and implemented innovative strategies and approaches to training, employment, and economic security for people with disabilities. This webinar will provide an opportunity for states participating in the SLII to share with their colleagues in the State Peer Leaders Network highlights from their final year of activities, progress on goals and outcomes, implications for the field as well as key lessons for other states to consider, and their strategies for sustaining partnerships and initiatives.

Access the archived webinar at http://cc.readytalk.com/play?id=bip5ob.

USDOL Seeks Public Input to Strengthen Disability Regulations

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs is seeking input from the public on ways to strengthen its regulations requiring federal contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. In an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to be published in the Federal Register July 23, the agency invites the public to help revise the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

"Equal access to employment is a fundamental right of every American," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "It's time to update this regulation to ensure that everyone has access to good jobs, including individuals with disabilities."

The deadline for comments is September 21, 2010.

Read the full press release at http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ofccp/ofccp20101015.htm.

IEL Participates in Celebration of Landmark Disability Rights Legislation - Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the enactment of federal disability civil rights legislation known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which bars discrimination based on disability in employment, public and private sector services, transportation, and recreation. The ADA also codified disability public policy to promote inclusion, integration, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for all youth and adults with disabilities. Over the past two decades, federal laws, programs, and services have been updated and aligned with the ADA.

To mark the historic nature of the ADA, organizations and government agencies are hosting a multitude of celebrations in Washington, DC and across the country. The Institute for Educational Leadership’s (IEL) Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is helping mark this anniversary by cosponsoring and participating in a number of these celebrations.

Learn more about IEL and ADA 20th Anniversary Celebrations at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ada-20th-anniversary.

 NCWD/Youth and ODEP Release Cyber Disclosure Workbook for Youth with Disabilities

NCWD/Youth and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy released Cyber Disclosure for Youth with Disabilities, a supplement to The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities, which helps youth learn about disability disclosure and what it means for them. Search sites like Google, social networking sites like Facebook, and micro-blogging sites like Twitter have added a new element to disclosure. Now it is possible to disclose disability status on the internet without even being aware of it. This can be as simple as a picture of a person using a wheelchair, a comment on a friend’s blog about disability, or a profile posted on a disability organization’s website. The goal of this document is to provide youth suggestions on how to make informed decisions about their own disability disclosure and to manage their disclosures online.

Access the workbook at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/cyber-disclosure.

 NCWD/Youth Releases Workbook to Aid Adults Prepare Youth for Disability Disclosure

NCWD/Youth released The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Families, Educators, Youth Service Professionals, and Adult Allies Who Care About Youth with Disabilities. Adults in the lives of young people with both visible disabilities and those with disabilities that are not apparent to others can benefit from using this workbook. This workbook helps adults make informed decisions about teaching a young man or woman about his or her rights and responsibilities in disclosing his or her disability, a decision that will affect the young person’s educational, employment, and social life. This workbook will help adults learn how to support a young person with a disability as he or she takes steps in becoming more independent and self-sufficient. In fact, making the personal decision to disclose a disability can make the young person more confident in himself or herself and the choices he or she makes.

Learn more about the workbook at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure-for-adults.

 NCWD/Youth Releases Initial Summary of ILP Study

This document is a summary of initial findings of a study funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. The study, launched in the 2008-09 school year and targeted for completion in 2012-13, is the first longitudinal research and demonstration project designed to understand the effectiveness of Individualized Learning Plans.

Read the summary at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ilp-summary.

June 2010

ODEP Releases Personal Assistant Services Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities

With assistance from NCWD/Youth, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Employment Policy released Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal Assistance Services (PAS) for Youth with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood. This new guide assists youth in strengthening some of the most fundamental skills essential for successfully managing their own Personal Assistance Services (PAS): effective communication, time-management, working with others, and establishing professional relationships.  Such skills are key to not only enhancing independence, but also thriving in the workplace and growing professionally. Whether moving from school or a home setting to work, college, or living on their own, transition-age youth and their families or friends would benefit from the information and guidance offered by the toolkit.  Sample worksheets, questions, and charts provide readers clear, helpful examples of things to consider along the path to greater independence.  And stories from real youth and their families give practical insight and guidance for youth with disabilities who want to manage their own PAS. 

Access the PAS Toolkit at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/pas-toolkit.

U.S. Department of Education Posts Questions and Answers Related to IDEA and IEPs

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued a revised questions and answers document to provide states, state and local educational agencies, parents, and other stakeholders with information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requirements relating to individualized education programs (IEPs), evaluations, and reevaluations. The document includes information related to transition.

Read the Q&A at http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/iep-qa-2010.pdf.

SAMHSA Study Provides State-by-State Trend Data on Behavioral Health Problems

A new report providing state-by-state analyses of substance abuse and mental illness patterns reveals that despite wide variations among the states in the types and levels of behavioral health problems they experience. The report provides state public health authorities and service providers with useful information on a wide range of substance use and mental illness issues affecting their states. The report is part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on data, outcomes, and quality – an effort to inform policy makers and service providers on the nature and scope of behavioral health issues.

Read the report at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k8state/toc.cfm.

May 2010

Transition Resource Directory Now Available

Created in February 2010, "Strengthening Transition Partnerships: Building Federal Technical Assistance Center Capacity -- A Transition Resource Directory" includes descriptions submitted by federally supported projects and centers with work that focuses on youth transition. The references in this directory are not intended to be exhaustive of the investments in transition made by Federal, state, or local entities.

Access the Transition Resource Directory at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/sites/default/files/Transition_Resource_Directory_02-26-10.doc.

USDOL Launches Online Tool for Employers Seeking to Understand Disability Nondiscrimination Law

The U.S. Department of Labor launched a new tool to help employers ensure their employment policies and practices do not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. The online Disability Nondiscrimination Law Advisor helps employers quickly and simply determine which federal disability nondiscrimination laws apply to their business or organization and their responsibilities under them.

Use the online tool at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/odep.htm.

NCWD/Youth Releases InfoBrief: "Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System: Practical Considerations"

This InfoBrief describes the characteristics of and issues faced by youth involved with the juvenile justice system, including those with disabilities. It provides a framework for youth service professionals to help these youth avoid or transition out of the juvenile justice system, promotes cross-systems collaboration, and highlights promising practices currently being implemented around the country. This InfoBrief is based on Making the Right Turn: A Guide about Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections System, available at: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/juvenile-justice-guide.

Access the InfoBrief at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/node/554.

April 2010

NCWD/Youth Releases White Paper: "Comprehensive Career Planning and Its Role in the Competitive Global Economy"

This white paper chronicles the gaps and inconsistencies in implementation of career guidance services in and out of schools, as well as the lack of measures for career development and guidance services in America. The paper posits that these challenges stem from the lack of a governmental policy framework that promotes the systematic value of career guidance services as a strategy for meeting economic and security needs of the nation. The paper offers a number of recommendations, including: 1) improving the quality of the K-12 school career development and guidance system; 2) increasing the capacity of postsecondary and workforce development programs serving out-of-school youth and at-risk populations; 3) convening policy makers and researchers to develop consensus on performance measures definitions; and 4) improving professional development opportunities for staff involved in career development and career guidance services.

Access the white paper at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/node/552.

NCWD/Youth Releases Workforce Investment Act-Related White Paper: "Performance Data and Youth with Disabilities"

NCWD/Youth prepared an analysis of 2007 performance data reported by a select set of Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) under the Workforce Investment Act  (WIA) to understand how youth with disabilities are being served. U.S. Department of Labor data indicate that of all youth served under WIA in 2007, nearly 14 percent were youth with disabilities.  As an initial  analysis of the data, authors of this paper are unable to draw firm conclusions about the actual effect serving youth with disabilities has on performance outcomes of local workforce investment boards that oversee WIA Youth Activities monies. However, the limited data suggests that youth with disabilities have similar performance outcomes as youth without disabilities.  Additionally, the data suggests that WIBs that serve large proportions of youth with disabilities tend to have lower performance outcomes than WIBs that serve proportionally fewer youth with disabilities. To better understand the findings of this paper, NCWD-Youth is currently conducting a limited case-study analysis of the selected WIBs and reviewing similar 2008 data.

Read the white paper at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/node/551.

Keeping the Promise to All America's Children Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks to the Council for Exceptional Children

On April 21, 2010 U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan delivered remarks entitled "Keeping the Promis to All American's Children" for the Council for Exceptional Children. Read the full speech online at http://www2.ed.gov/news/speeches/2010/04/04212010.html.

ODEP to Host a Live Web Chat about Strategic Direction and Goals

ODEP will host a live, text-only web chat on April 8, 2010 beginning at 2:45 PM (EDT) about the proposed Fiscal Year 2010 to 2016 strategic direction and goals. This web chat will provide an open forum for key stakeholders and the public to provide ODEP with their questions, comments and ideas and be an integral part of the ODEP strategic planning process.

To participate in the ODEP strategic planning web chat, please follow these steps:

• Visit the Department of Labor's Strategic Plan website. 
• Scroll down from the “Live Web Chats” heading and click on the "Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)" link. 
• On April 8, 2010, beginning at 2:45 PM (ET), click on the play button (normally the shape of a triangle on its side) to start the session. Allow time for video player buffering.
• If you would like to comment on the Department of Labor’s strategic plan development, please email your comments to strategic-plan@dol.gov. Include ODEP’s name in the subject line of your email.

Questions will be answered online only. As these are text-only web chats, the only method of active participation is through online access, and video feeds will not be available. If you cannot access the automated session window properly, please follow the instructions and the link above the window to use an alternate page. 

The following presentations outline how ODEP supports the Secretary of Labor’s Vision and Goals. These presentations also highlight the strategies and measures that ODEP is considering for inclusion within the Department’s Strategic Plan 2010-2016:

• View the ODEP slideshow [HTML]
• Download the ODEP slideshow [Power Point]

March 2010

NCWD/Youth to Offer Two FREE Pre-Conference Sessions at NAWDP’s 2010 Annual Conference

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth), in partnership with the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), will offer two pre-conference training sessions during NAWDP’s 2010 annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico from May 1 – 5, 2010. The pre-conference sessions are:

• Assessment & Individualized Planning: Charting a Course with Youth – purposes, types, and selection of assessment tools, person-centered planning, and engaging youth in goal-setting
• Employer Relations: Beyond the Handshake – Approaching potential partners, identifying employer needs, creating successful matches, and program role in advocating for youth and supporting employers

These training modules are part of NCWD/Youth’s Youth Service Professionals’ Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities initiative aimed at providing youth service professionals with advanced training opportunities to improve their work with all youth. These interactive sessions will be limited to 20 participants and are open to non-conference attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact Patricia Gill (gillp@iel.org).

Register at http://www.nawdp.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Did_You_Know1&template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2839.

U.S. DOL Announces Plans to Discontinue "Career Voyager" Website

In Training and Employment Notice No. (TEN) 32-09, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced that ETA has recently discontinued or will shortly discontinue its MilSpouse and Career Voyages Web sites. To ensure a smooth transition, minimize user inconvenience, and provide optimal service, ETA has or will 1) transfer some of the content from the discontinued sites to the Career One Stop Web site; 2) create landing pages to redirect visitors to the Web sites from which the MilSpouse and Career Voyages content originated; and 3) inform Web sites that link to Career Voyages of the site terminations and plans for the transition.

Read TEN No. 32-09 at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEN/ten2009/ten32-09acc.pdf.

NAMI Launches Social Networking Site for Young Adults

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has launched StrengthofUs.org, a new online community where young adults living with mental health concerns can provide mutual support in navigating unique challenges and opportunities during the critical transition years from ages 18 to 25. Developed by young adults, StrengthofUs.org is a user-driven social networking community where members can connect with peers, share personal stories, creativity and helpful resources by writing and responding to blog entries, engaging in discussion groups and sharing videos, photos and other news.

Visit the website at http://www.strengthofus.org.

U.S. DOL Releases Youth Summer Jobs Report

In late February, the U.S. Department of Labor released Reinvesting in America’s Youth: Lessons from the 2009 Recovery Act Summer Employment Initiative.  This report found that the 2009 Recovery Act Summer Youth Employment Initiative was largely successful in connecting young workers with employment experiences. Overall, 317,000 young people took part in the initiative. The report analyzes monthly performance data submitted to the Employment and Training Administration by states and looks closely at the experiences of 20 select local areas.

Read the report at http://wdr.doleta.gov/research/keyword.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_resultDetails&pub_id=2436&mp=y.

ODEP-Funded Website Features Resources on Disability Employment

The Campaign for Disability Employment is a collaborative effort between several disability and business organizations that seek to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace, as well as the dividend to be realized by fully including people with disabilities at work.

The web site offers a range of education and outreach tools, all designed to engage employers, people with disabilities, family and educators, and the general public. The site features on-line forums, grassroots tools, links to trusted resources that provide disability employment-related information, and more.

The Campaign is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP); receives technical assistance from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN); and is supported by the Disability Policy Research Center at West Virginia University.

Access the website at http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

Nominations of Young Heroes Invited for Gloria Barron Prize

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes seeks nominations for its 2010 awards. Eligible applicants: The Barron Prize honors young people between the ages of 8 and 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Award ceiling: Each year, ten national winners each receive $2,500 to support their service work or higher education. Application deadline: April 30, 2010.

Learn more and apply online at http://www.barronprize.org.

Entertainment Software Association Foundation Offers Grants for Youth Programs

The Entertainment Software Association Foundation is dedicated to supporting positive programs and opportunities that make a difference in the lives of America's youth. The foundation seeks to harness the collective power of the interactive entertainment industry to create positive social impact in its communities. The foundation supports geographically diverse projects and programs that benefit American boys and girls of all races and religions. Award ceiling: $50,000 each. Application deadline: April 15, 2010.

Access the application online at http://www.theesa.com/foundation/application.asp.

6th World Conference on Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders to Convene in D.C. in November 2010

The Sixth World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders will convene at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. from November 17 – 19, 2010. This year’s theme is “Addressing Imbalances: Promoting Equity in Mental Health.” This conference will address the mental health of millions of people, in both rich and poor countries, and its importance for overall well-being. It offers a unique opportunity for researchers, public health practitioners, activists, educators, law enforcement personnel and others to come together to share findings, ideas and innovations.

The conference is organized by Clifford Beers Foundation, the World Federation for Mental Health, The Carter Center, and Education Development Center, Inc. Co-sponsors are the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization. Funding and support are provided by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Learn more at http://wmhconf2010.hhd.org.

SSA Hosts Free Work Incentive Seminar Events in Communities Across Country

The Social Security Administration is hosting a series of free community events around the country for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families. These Work Incentive Seminar Events are held by local organizations and can help people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, connect with local training and employment resources, and explore opportunities to increase income.

Learn more at http://www.cessi.net/wise.

Finance Project Issues Brief on Financing Strategies for Youth-Serving Organizations in a Difficult Economy

The Finance Project released “Cutting Cost, Keeping Quality: Financing Strategies for Youth-Serving Organizations in a Difficult Economy.” This brief highlights financing strategies that successful youth-serving organizations are using to maintain quality services despite difficult economic times. Drawing on interviews with leaders of 17 successful youth programs, the brief illustrates how organizations have aggressively managed costs, creatively generated new revenues, and created partnerships to mitigate the effects of funding cuts.  In-depth examples help leaders understand how to implement and adapt these strategies to their unique context.

Read the brief online at http://www.financeproject.org/publications/CuttingCostKeepingQuality.pdf.

February 2010

FEMA Seeks Comments on Draft National Disaster Recovery Framework

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is currently seeking comments on its draft National Disaster Recovery Framework. NCWD/Youth encourages people with disabilities, their families, and others to review the draft framework and provide input on how it will impact all American's lives, including American's with disabilities. Comments are due by February 26, 2010.

• Learn more about the draft framework and the federal Disaster Recovery Working Group at http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov.
• Read the draft framework in Adobe PDF format at http://disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/ndrf.pdf.
• Provide comments online at http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480a90bf8.

Coalition for Community Schools to Convene 2010 National Forum in Philadelphia from April 7 - 9

The Institute for Educational Leadership will convene the 2010 National Forum in Philadelphia, PA from April 7 - 9. This year's theme, "Building Innovative Partnerships for Student Success: The Key to America's Future," focuses on partnerships at the heart of the community schools approach, bringing schools, families, community residents, higher education and an array of other community partners together around a common result —student success.

Register at http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=9adf5e83-08c2-44e9-8117-d55a47e740d0.

Federal Government Issues Rules Requiring Parity in Treatment of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Conditions

The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury today jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use conditions. The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans — typically offered by employers — from restricting access to care by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits. The rules implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

Learn more at http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ebsa/EBSA20100151.htm.

January 2010

ODEP Announces Regional Listening Sessions for Early 2010

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is hosting a series of listening sessions in early 2010 intended to provide opportunities for the public to provide input to senior federal officials on more effective ways to employ women, veterans, and minorities with disabilities, as well as on what currently works to increase employment for all people with disabilities. ODEP seeks input particularly from individuals and consumers (including youth and adults with disabilities, parents, and caregivers), employers (both public and private), and service providers and advocacy organizations (including independent living centers, One-Stops, and state rehabilitation programs). In addition to taking comments at the in-person regional sessions listed below, ODEP also accepts comments online.

Learn more about the listening sessions at http://www.disabilitylisteningtour.com.

December 2009

Social Security Administration Launches "Choose Work" Website for Ticket to Work Program

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and CESSI, the Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach for the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program, launched the new Choose Work web site (www.choosework.net) for people with disabilities receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Visit the Chose Work website at www.choosework.net.

Assistant Secretary of Labor Kathy Martinez Delivers Remarks at Green Jobs Roundtable

Assistant U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Kathy Martinez, who heads the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), delivered remarks at an ODEP-sponsored meeting entitled "Strategies for Including People With Disabilities in the Green Jobs Talent Pipeline: A Roundtable Discussion."

Read Assistant Secretary Martinez's remarks at http://www.dol.gov/odep/media/speeches/20091216_GREEN.htm.

California Community College Chancellor's Office Releases Publication on Financial Aid for Youth Who Are Unaccompanied or from Foster Care

The Foster Youth Success Initiative at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office released a publication entitled "Providing Effective Financial Aid Assistance to Students from Foster Care and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: A Key to Higher Education Access and Success."

Read this guide at http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/pdf/ProvidingEffectiveFinancialAid.pdf.

October 2009

NCWD/Youth Testifies at the U.S. Department of Labor on WIA Reauthorization

Joan Wills from the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) testified before the Assistant Secretaries of the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the Employment and Training Administration at the Department of Labor’s Listening Session on the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  WIA has been up for reauthorization for several years and the listening session was designed to collect input from expert in the disability employment field.  Wills laid out 5 broad strategy areas that need to be taken into account when improving the WIA.

Those areas are:

1. Collaboration
2. Strengthen and Align the Infrastructure
3. Research and Evaluation
4. Accountability and Performance
5. Promote Professional Development

Read the testimony in PDF or Word
Read the News Release

NYEC Releases ARRA Summer Program Implementation Survey Summary

The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) conducted an online survey of members’ experiences implementing Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth activities funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) this summer.  Their report includes a summary of member responses to their survey and highlights strategies, challenges, innovations, and other information regarding NYEC member experiences with ARRA program implementation.

Read NYEC Recovery Act Summer Program Implementation Report.

ETA Launches Disability and Employment Community of Practice

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration launched its Disability and Employment Community of Practice as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  This site has lots of resources around Disability Program Navigators, Access & Accommodations, Promising Practices, Employer Resources, and Front Line Staff Training.

U.S. Labor Department awards cooperative agreement to establish national technical assistance center for employers on people with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded a cooperative agreement to Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Ithaca, N.Y., to establish a national technical assistance center for employers on employment of people with disabilities. The purpose of the center will be to conduct innovative research, assist ODEP in developing demand-side policy, and share best practices with employers on the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities.

Read the news release.

September 2009

SAMHSA Awards $16.8 Million in State and Community Partnership Grants for Healthy Transitions Initiative for Youth with Serious Mental Health Challenges

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced today that it is awarding grants totaling almost $16.8 million over five years to states for integrated home- and community-based services and supports for youth and young adults with serious mental health challenges and their families.  The Healthy Transitions Initiative will develop or build upon existing systems to provide these youth and their families with educational, employment, mental health and other services designed to enhance their well being and ensure their successful transition to adulthood and independence.

The grantees include:

Utah Department of Human Services -- $480,000 per year for implementation of its PASSAGE program to improved the mental health and well-being of youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions as they transition into adulthood.

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene -- $480,000 per year to design and implement a system of care network of services meeting the needs of young adults as they grow into full adulthood.

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse -- $480,000 per year to provide services and supports designed to help those aged 16 to 25 with serious mental conditions and their families.  These services include efforts to help these young people complete their education, find and keep a job, and achieve independent living in the community.

Missouri Department of Mental Health -- $479,506 per year for developing a comprehensive approach to provided services and supports to young people with severe and persistent mental illness in order to help them succeed in living productive, independent lives.

State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services -- $480,000 per year for its Project O-YEAH, which offers three tiers of strength-based, recovery-oriented, age-appropriate, culturally and neighborhood-anchored support for older youth and young adults who have severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities -- $480,000 per year to use a system of care approach to support youth and young adults as they transition into adulthood in areas such as education, employment, housing and accessing behavioral health services.

Maine Department of Health & Human Services -- $479,959 per year for its Moving Forward initiative to address the special educational, housing, employment, and health needs of youth and young adults with serious emotional disturbance or mental health issues.

For additional information about SAMHSA grants go to http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/

Child Trends Releases A Developmental Perspective on Workplace Readiness: Preparing High School Students for Success

This research brief developed by Laura Lippmann and Julie Keith, highlights specific competencies that research has identified as necessary for a person to become a valued and skilled employee in the areas of social, cognitive, and psychological development.  It also identifies strategies that high schools can use to help young adults develop these competencies.  View the brief.

ODEP Announces Cooperative Agreements on Apprenticeship Training

The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announced this week the awarding of two cooperative agreements aimed at improving registered apprenticeship training for youth and young adults with disabilities. The agreements were awarded to The Workplace, Inc. in Bridgeport, Conn. and SkillSource Group, Inc. in Vienna, VA. The groups will be tasked with leading “consortia to develop innovative models of providing inclusive registered apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with disabilities.”

• Read the press release
• Read the TEN
• Read the white paper
• Learn more

NCWD/Youth Releases Helping Youth with Mental Health Needs Avoid Transition Cliffs: Lessons from Pioneering Transition Programs

This InfoBrief discusses challenges faced by youth and young adults with mental health needs during their transition to adulthood and describes strategies used by youth service professionals to avoid age-related transition cliffs and prevent service interruptions during this critical stage of development. This InfoBrief is based on a rich body of research about transition-age youth with mental health needs published in four separate reports in the last two years, including two produced by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth.

Review the reports referenced in this InfoBrief.

IEL Receives $3.5 Million for National Mentoring Program

The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) announces its selection to receive approximately $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for a 3-year national mentoring program to serve youth with disabilities at-risk of truancy or court-involvement. Through this infusion of resources, research-based strategies, and cross-system collaboration, the RAMP program will match trained mentors to youth with disabilities to reduce court involvement and/or recidivism; increase career preparation and development work-readiness skills for the youth in the program.

Read the news release.

NCWD/Youth Adds New Programs to Innovative Strategies

NCWD/Youth's Innovative Strategies features workforce development programs and practices that serve youth with disabilities, either as a target population or as part of other youth populations.  Recently, NCWD/Youth added 5 additional programs.  They are:

• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS)
• Jewish Vocation Services, San Francisco
• LINKS—Helping Teens Make a Successful Transition from Foster Care to Self-Sufficiency
• The Able Trust
• Vermont Department of Labor

Youth Today names IEL's Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) one of The Best Fellowships in Youth Work

Youth Today spotlights IEL's Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP), in their article: The Best Fellowships in Youth Work.  EPFP led the list of 10 leadership development opportunities identified across the country. This program helps broaden your professional, peer assistance network, and increases your knowledge base about “what works, where” to support the growth and development of all children and youth. Learn more now!

August 2009

NCWD/Youth Releases Spanish Versions of Four Publications

NCWD/Youth is proud to provide Spanish versions our of Guideposts for Success, Guideposts for Employer Success, Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System, and The Workforce Development System & the Professional Development of Youth Service Practitioners: Why Professional Development? NCWD/Youth looks forward to providing more translated versions of our publications in the future..

Disability.gov Launches New Website

The U.S. Department of Labor launched Disability.gov, a redesigned federal Web site that connects the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities to thousands of trusted resources on disability-related issues, programs and services. Formerly known as DisabilityInfo.gov, the site has been completely redesigned and updated with new social media tools, such as a blog and a Twitter feed, to encourage feedback and interaction among visitors. Disability.gov is not just for Americans with disabilities, but also for parents of children with disabilities, employers, workforce and human resource professionals, veterans, educators, caregivers and many others.

Florida High School/High Tech (HS/HT) Post High Marks in 2008-2009 Outcomes

The Florida HS/HT Program served 1,469 students with disabilities through 107 schools and alternative education settings in 35 Florida counties. Students were provided a total of 263,824 transition services based on five nationally recognized, evidence-based Guideposts for Success: School-Based Preparatory Experiences, Career Preparation & Work-Based Learning, Connecting Activities, Youth Leadership & Development and Family Involvement & Supports. Read more about the Florida HS/HT 2008-2009 outcomes.

University of California, Davis Extension Releases Disabilities in the Workplace Case Series

Teaching cases, as they are prepared at business schools across the country, are one of the primary tools of management education. They are used globally in university settings, professional development and executive education training, and provide students and readers with a great wealth of insider knowledge about the "norms" of business practices. The University’s intention with this series is to demonstrate "best practices" in the employment of people with disabilities, a population which has historically had low employment rates. NCWD/Youth staff was proud to be able to provide UC Davis guidance and technical assistance in their creation of these cases.

June 2009

Center for Juvenile Justice Reform Releases Report on Supporting Youth in Transition to Adulthood
Supporting Youth in Transition to Adulthood: Lessons Learned from Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice

This report discuses the success and challenges that juvenile justice and child welfare agencies face in preparing the youth they serve for a successful adulthood. The paper describes assessment, case management, and other practices implemented in either system that have shown promise in improving the outcomes for the transition-age population. It also highlights organizational and legislative changes tht have positioned these agencies to provide effective, individualized, and developmentally appropriate services to older youth and their families.

For additional information on improving the transition outcomes for youth with disabilities check out NCWD/Youth’s publication Making the Right Turn: A Guide About Improving the Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections System.

May 2009

NCWD/Youth Releases Successful Transition Models for Youth with Mental Health Needs: A Guide for Workforce Professionals

This InfoBrief describes the systems’ service barriers faced by youth with mental health needs as they reach adulthood, while highlighting new models and strategies designed to break down those barriers and help them to transition successfully into the workplace.

Read Successful Transition Models for Youth with Mental Health Needs

NCWD/Youth Releases Graduation Requirements and Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities: What Families and Advocates Need to Know

This InfoBrief explores the importance of making informed decisions about diploma options, understanding the consequences of graduating with different types of diplomas as well as the need for youth, families, and Individual Education Program (IEP) teams to consider these issues early.

Read Graduation Requirements and Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities

April 2009

NCWD/Youth and Workforce Strategy Center release Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges

Our nation’s changing economy requires workers to attain increasingly higher job skills. Leaders in education, workforce development, and economic development recognize the need to help workers meet this challenge and to help employers find qualified employees. This case study report examines the efforts of community colleges to function as intermediaries in meeting the local workforce development needs of employers and promoting career opportunities and job attainment for students, including those with disabilities.

Read Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges

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