© 2007, pacer center how parents can prepare youth for success in employment texas transition...
DESCRIPTION
Page 3 Why Is Work Important? Feeling of worth in contributing to society “Meaningful days” Learn social skills and responsibility Combats isolation and depression It’s what adults do Others?TRANSCRIPT
© 2007, PACER Center
How Parents Can Prepare Youth for Success in Employment
Texas Transition Conference02/21/2013
Page 2
Session Agenda1. Straight talk about employment2. What you need to know about
employment3. Accommodations, Disclosure, and
Interviewing4. Self-Employment5. Who Helps?6. Closing thoughts, questions, and
evaluations
Page 3
Why Is Work Important?
• Feeling of worth in contributing to society
• “Meaningful days”• Learn social skills and responsibility• Combats isolation and depression• It’s what adults do• Others?
The Employer Perspective
Employers are looking for:•A good attitude about working•Honesty•Punctuality•Good communication skills•Reliability•Appropriate behavior•Willingness to learn new things
Page 4
Page 5
Self-Awareness
• Many youth don’t know what their disability is, or haven’t practiced telling others about it.
• It is crucial that youth know how their disability affects them in school and employment (to the greatest extent possible).
Page 6
Work Skills
Your youth can become better prepared for work by building strengths in these core
work skills:•Solving problems and making decisions•Using technology•Reading and doing math at a basic level•Understanding the employer’s goals•www.iseek.org
6
A Quick Story
Page 7
A Quick Story
Page 8
Page 9
“Soft Skills”
Employers also seek employees who have strong interpersonal communication and
responsibility skills. Does your youth:•Maintain personal appearance?•Communicate so others can understand?•Show personal responsibility, including showing up for work on time?•Take work direction?•Have enthusiasm and a good attitude?
9
Let’s Practice
• Building responsibility• Maintain appearance• Working well with others• Keeping a positive attitude• Taking work direction• Showing initiative
Page 10
Page 11
Using Personal Networks
• Relationships, not Want Ads, yield the most job opportunities
• Your first job?• Everyone has a network within the
community they can utilize
Page 12
The Resume and Volunteering
• Every job seeker needs a resume.• Beware of gaps…red flag for employers• Be creative with what’s listed. Paid
employment is not the only example of work experience and skills
• Volunteering is an excellent way to build work skills and fill a resume
Page 13
The Interview
• Practice the basics• Never stress the disability, only strengths• Avoid giving too much information• Coach young person on responses to
disability related questions• Although they may be allowed to
participate, parents or service providers have no legal right to be in on an interview
Let’s Practice
It is crucial that you communicate your value to an employer.
I am ______, and that allows me to _________.
Example:I am precise, and that allows me to finish tasks accurately.
Page 14
Page 15
Disability Disclosure• It may be necessary for a youth to disclose a
disability during the interview process• Only necessary if accommodation is needed• Disclosure is a personal choice• Youth should role play answering questions
during interview, especially if asked something illegal
• 411 On Disability Disclosure (NCWD-Youth)http://www.ncwd-youth.info/
resources_&_Publications/411.html2006 | PACER | 15
Who Helps?
• School• County Disability Programs• Vocational Rehabilitation Services• Community Rehabilitation Providers• Workforce Centers• Families• Communities
Page 16
Page 17
Closing Thoughts
• Practice Applications• Kiosks• Transportation• Postsecondary Education• Self Employment• First job should not be the last job.
Never stop expecting great things!!
