AccessCAREERS

Career Preparation Resources for Parents and Mentors

With the tremendous impact of technology on all career fields, the options for your child have grown enormously. Transitions within the academic setting and to a work setting are exciting, yet challenging, for both you and your child.

There are many things you can do to assist and guide your child through this maze of options.

1. Encourage your child to participate in work-based learning programs.
2. Explain the Social Security (SS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) systems to your child.
3. Involve yourself in your child's Individual Education Plan and make sure employment-preparation activities are included.
4. Learn about available adult services.
5. Prepare your child for the transition to independent adulthood.

The following resources can be used to help preparing students for careers:

• Learn and Earn: Supporting Teens - encourage high school students with disabilities to gain work experiences.
• Learn and Earn: Tips for Teens - work-based learning opportunities for high school students with disabilities.
• It's Your Career: Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Students With Disabilities - work-based learning opportunities for college students with disabilities.
• Legal Issues - legal rights to education and employment.
• Obtaining Accommodations in Higher Education - tips on where to go to get accommodations set up for higher education.
• AccessCAREERS Projects - programs that increase the success of people with disabilities in careers.
• Individuals with Disabilities in Specific Career Fields - opportunities in challenging fields.
• Disability-Related Resources on the Internet - search for resources of interest to you.

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