What parents and family members need to know about services to help youth

• The role of parents and families
• Educate and empower yourself and your child
• The difference between entitlements and eligibility

Key Resources

Another source of information for parents of youth with disabilities is your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). They have resources and connections to help you support your son as he prepares for the future. To find the PTI closest to you, go to The National Dissemination Center (NICHCY) State-by-State Resources page (or call toll free: 1-800-695-0285). NICHY's website contains information on transition and planning for the future, as well as many other disability-related publications and resources for parents, service providers, and individuals with disabilities.

Get involved in examining what resources and supports are available in your community for adults with disabilities. Don't wait until your son graduates to start educating yourselves as to what's available. By starting now you and your son can learn what is out there, and if what your son wants is not out there, you can both start advocating for change!

Additional Resources

With a click of your mouse, you can find some really good information that might be just what you are looking for! Or what you would look for, if you knew it existed! Check these out:

• The Office of Employment Support at the Social Security Administration
  http://www.ssa.gov/work/Youth/youth.html
  
• Social Security Administration
  http://www.ssa.gov/work/Search/siteindex.html
  
• Social Security's Work Incentives
  http://www.ssa.gov/work/ResourcesToolkit/workincentives.html
  
• The Office of Disability Employment Programs at the U.S. Department of Labor - Youth Resources
  http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor/StudentWorkers.htm

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NCWD/Youth | c/o Institute for Educational Leadership
4455 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 310 | Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: 1-877-871-0744 (Toll Free)
TTY: 877-871-0665 (Toll Free)