Intersection E-Newsletter
Intersection: Navigating the Road to Work is the electronic newsletter of
the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth). The
newsletter and this website offer information to improve services to youth and especially
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Current Issue volume 5, No. 3, September 15, 2008:
Past Issues
2008
- Issue 2 volume 5, No. 2, May 13, 2008.
NCWD/Youth, with funding from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor, carried out a study on successful strategies to help youth with mental health needs transition to postsecondary education, employment, and independent lives. With a focus primarily on the role of skills development, work, and career exploration, case studies were conducted of five promising program sites, and program design features and system-level policies that appear to help youth and young adults with mental health conditions better transition into adulthood and life-long success were identified. Continue reading…
- Issue 1 volume 5, No. 1, February 21, 2008.
NCWD/Youth has completed The HS/HT Program Guide: A Comprehensive Transition Program Promoting Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for Youth with Disabilities. High School/High Tech (HS/HT) is recognized as one of the most successful strategies for assisting youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education and employment. Over the years, HS/HT has evolved from a small program in a few localities that focused on exposing youth with disabilities to technology-related careers to a comprehensive program of transition services. Through an array of activities identified in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth’s (NCWD/Youth) Guideposts for Success, HS/HT exposes youth with disabilities to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (the STEM careers) and encourages them to pursue post-secondary education to prepare for such careers. Continue reading…
2007
- Issue 3 volume 4, No. 3, May 15, 2007.
NCWD/Youth has completed Negotiating the Curves Toward Employment: A Guide About Youth Involved in the Foster Care System. The Guide was developed to encourage collaborative efforts between workforce development, child welfare, mental health, schools, and other community institutions to improve opportunities for youth in foster care to successfully transition into adulthood. The youth involved in the foster care system represent one of the most vulnerable populations in our society. Of the more than 500,000 children in foster care, 30 to 40% are also in special education. However, this number does not capture all youth with disabilities in the foster care system. In one study, it was estimated that between 20 to 60% of young children entering foster care have a developmental disability or delay. These types of disabilities include cerebral palsy, mental retardation, developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as speech, hearing, and vision impairments. This compares with an estimate of about 10% among the general population. Continue reading…
- Issue 2 volume 4, No. 2, May 8, 2007.
Guide on Serving Youth with Mental Health Needs Unveiled In honor of National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the release of Tunnels and Cliffs: A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers Serving Youth with Mental Health Needs, prepared by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. Practitioners and policymakers have key roles to play in ensuring that youth with mental health needs (MHN) have a fair chance of achieving the American dream of independence and self-sufficiency. Obstacles such as the transition cliff and ineffective service delivery tunnels can be eliminated through thoughtful systems change processes that incorporate sound policies and practices.
- Issue 1 volume 4, No. 1, March 12, 2007 .
The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in the U.S. Department of Education has proposed a priority on transition services to improve postsecondary education and employment outcomes to youth with disabilities. The February 15 Federal Register Notice builds on the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth's Guidepost for Success and cites the definitions section of the NCWD/Youth website.
2006
- Issue 7 volume 3, No. 7, December 5, 2006.
NCWD/Youth launches the KSA section of its website which contains information about NCWD/Youth's Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) initiative. NCWD/Youth developed the KSAs to improve the awareness, knowledge, and skills of youth service practitioners, those individuals who work directly with youth. The KSAs are organized into ten competency areas which were compiled from a review of more than 70 initiatives offering training and/or identifying competencies for the fields of youth development, workforce development, education, and disability. These ten areas were validated by youth practitioners, program managers, and stakeholders from the field through focus groups, conference calls, meetings, and an on-line feedback form for relevancy, proficiency, and available training.
- Issue 6 volume 3, No. 6, August 22, 2006.
NCWD/Youth has revised its popular, Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational & Career Development Challenges. This guide is for multiple audiences within the workforce development system as they assist youth in making decisions and choices based on appropriate assessments that focus on the talents, knowledge, skills, interests, values, and aptitudes of each individual. Youth service practitioners will find information on selecting career-related assessments, determining when to refer youth for additional assessment, and on other issues such as accommodations, legal issues, and ethical considerations. Administrators and policymakers will find information on developing practical and effective policies, collaboration among programs, and interagency assessment systems.
- Issue 5 volume 3, No. 5, August 1, 2006.
NCWD/Youth releases a new publication, "Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities." This mentoring guide has been developed by the NCWD/Youth to specifically address the needs of youth with disabilities during their transition from school to work. Also in this issue, the Southeast DBTAC announces the release of the revised and improved online course, "At Your Service: Welcoming Customers with Disabilities."
- Issue 4 volume 3, No. 4, June 16, 2006.
NCWD/Youth releases a new publication, "Performance Measures Adjustment and Incentives-Key Strategies for Providing More and Better Services to Harder to Serve Populations in the Age of Accountability." This paper discusses intended and unintended consequences of performance measurement and explores how performance adjustment and incentive mechanisms can counter some of these effects and encourage effective service delivery to disadvantaged and harder-to-serve populations. The ETA issues a new Strategic Plan.
- Issue 3 volume 3, No. 3, May 15, 2006.
In collaboration with NCWD/Youth, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) maintains a website that highlights state-level legislation related to disabilities and employment. May is National Foster Care Month - this year's theme is "Change a Lifetime: Share Your Heart, Open Your Home, Offer Your Help." Partners for Youth with Disabilities will be holding its Aspire, Achieve, Empower: First National Conference for Mentoring Youth with Disabilities later this year. The U.S. Department of Education has released a Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students With Disabilities.
- Issue 2 volume 3, No. 2, March 21, 2006.
NCWD/Youth publishes the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities) Jump Start, an initiative that identifies 10 key competencies that youth service practitioners, policymakers, organizations, and individuals can use to improve program quality and youth outcomes. Resource and advocacy organization, MENTOR, announces its "Mentoring Spotlight" award competition. The National Council on Disability (NCD) conducts an online discussion to inform policy and program recommendations for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) announces its 2006 Art & Poetry Competition for artists or poets with Learning Disabilities.
- Issue 1 volume 3, No. 1, February 1, 2006.
NCWD/Youth publishes the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities) Jump Start, an initiative that identifies 10 key competencies that youth service practitioners, policymakers, organizations, and individuals can use to improve program quality and youth outcomes. Resource and advocacy organization, MENTOR, announces its "Mentoring Spotlight" award competition. The National Council on Disability (NCD) conducts an online discussion to inform policy and program recommendations for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) announces its 2006 Art & Poetry Competition for artists or poets with Learning Disabilities.
2005
- Issue 11 volume 2, No. 11, December 20, 2005.
New publications are posted online including the complete Guideposts for Success and two Info Briefs. The National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET) launches its new website. Youth Service America and Disney are offering the Disney Minnie Grants.
- Issue 10 volume 2, No. 10, November 2, 2005.
The research supporting NCWD/Youth's "Guideposts for Success" is posted online. ODEP releases several new or updated fact sheets with information relevant to persons with disabilities. Minnesota launches Project C3, a website with the purpose of helping transitioning youth become employed or continue their education. The Disability Funders Network (DFN) announces a Rapid Response Fund for people with disabilities in the U.S. gulf region.
- Issue 9 volume 2, No. 9, July 26, 2005.
NCWD/Youth announces Pro-Bank, an online database of promising programs and practices in the workforce development system that effectively addresses the needs of youth with disabilities. Learn more about what Pro-Bank offers, its featured programs, and how to nominate a program for inclusion in Pro-Bank.
- Issue 8 volume 2, No. 8, July 18, 2005.
NCWD/Youth introduces a Technical Assistance Tools section of the website. Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Council for Exceptional Children updates it side-by-side summary of the current and proposed IDEA regulations. The organization Do Something announces a call for applications for Fall 2005 grants.
- Issue 7 volume 2, No. 7, June 28, 2005.
NCWD/Youth launches Pub-Bank, a new resources section of its website showcasing important articles, reports, and other documents related to workforce development and youth with disabilities. Disability Mentoring Day 2005 will take place October 19th. A workbook designed for youths, "The 411 on Disability Disclosure."
- Issue 6 volume 2, No. 6, May 19, 2005.
NCWD/Youth releases a workbook entitled, "The 411 on Disability Disclosure." The national High School/High Tech conference will be held June 8-9, 2005 in Washington, D.C.. NCWD/Youth staff presentations are made available online. The National Conference of State Legislatures holds a webcast, "Youth with Disabilities: The State of Transition." Youthhood.org is launched.
- Issue 5 volume 2, No. 5, April 21, 2005.
Audio conference on youth with disabilities will be held by NCSL on April 27. Quick Reference Guides available from NCWD/Youth. Public Hearings on IDEA continue. Department of Education announces changes to NCLB and conference on Transition. National Council on Disability launches list-serv on issues affecting people with disabilities.
- Issue 4 volume 2, No. 4, April 5, 2005.
There are three new Information Briefs from NCWD/Youth: 1) The Right Connections: Navigating the Workforce Development System, 2) New Departments Address Disability Issues, and 3) Breaking Down Technological Barriers brief. NCSET has a new Handbook for Implementing a Comprehensive Work-Based Learning Program. Also, the Government Accountability Office issues a report on employers' use of One-stops.
- Issue 3 volume 2, No. 3, March 22, 2005.
NCWD/Youth has a new series of Quick Reference Guides that provide resources on critical topics for administrators, youth service practitioners, and policymakers.
Also, a new NCWD/Youth InfoBrief titled Youth Development and Leadership in Programs, describes how administrators and policymakers can use these concepts in developing and administering programs that serve all youth. Congress takes action on legislation reauthorizing and changing the Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998. New national suicide prevention lifeline available. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) announces conference, Empowering Employers to Build an Inclusive Workforce.
- Issue 2 volume 2, No. 2, March 9, 2005.
The new 109th Congress has begun work on the reauthorization of a number of key workforce and education pieces of legislation, including the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services announced a new round of applications for the Projects with Industry program. Call for 2005 New Freedom Initiative Award Nominations.
- Issue 1 volume 2,
No. 1, January 12, 2005.
Learn about working with people with disabilities using NCWD/Youth's Disability Basics. Department of Education seeks comments on IDEA. Individuals with disabilities are not benefiting from WIA services according to a new GAO report.
2004
- Issue 10 v.1, No. 10, December 17, 2004.
IDEA is revised, read more a more complete description of the major provisions of the new special education law. The EEOC youth website is unveiled. The Department of Labor announces youth employment rules.
- Issue 9 v.1, No. 9, November 22, 2004.
Details two additions to the legislative section of the website: the extended Assistive Technology Act (ATA) and a more detailed explanation of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Two new Spanish versions of our brochures are available. The EEOC released a new fact sheet on the employment rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Take the KSA Questionnaire and find out about National Inclusive Schools Week happening in December.
- Issue 8 v.1, No. 8, October 28, 2004.
Read new information about how assessments can be used effectively
to help youth in their transition to adulthood. Good assessments focus
on individuals and their abilities, not their perceived
deficits. Assessments are important to organizations and programs
in determining a person’s eligibility for services and in documenting program goals. Also highlighted in this issue are news about the Assistive Technology Act that was just signed into law and information on making NCLB work for children who struggle to learn.
- Issue 7 v.1, No. 7, October 15, 2004.
This NCWD/Youth publication is designed for staff working in One-Stop centers and youth and adult service providers. It explains what can and cannot be asked about someone's disability. Treatment of people with disabilities must not be based on assumptions, myths, and stereotypes about disabilities. Disability-related inquiries, when permissible, must be approached with respect, dignity, and confidentiality.
- Issue 6 v.1, No. 6, September 30, 2004.
Several studies suggest 50% to 80% of workforce development program participants have learning disabilities (LD). Therefore, for this population alone, youth service practitioners need a working knowledge of how to identify and screen for hidden disabilities; assure that appropriate formal diagnosis occurs, if needed; and ensure that appropriate accommodations and support services are provided in the career preparation process. To assist in these efforts, NCWD/Youth has produced a new publication Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges.
- Issue 5 v.1, No. 5, August 20, 2004.
The Assessment Guide includes information on selecting career-related assessments, determining when to refer youth for additional assessment, accommodations, and legal and ethical issues in testing. Also, the ETA is asking for comments on the establishment of a single, streamlined reporting and recordkeeping system to replace the current data collection and reporting requirements for 12 employment and training programs.
- Issue
4 v.1, No. 4, July 29, 2004.
In this issue of Intersection, find out why Youth Development is at
the core of all effective youth programs. Read about improving learning for struggling
students in a new self-assessment guide from the National Youth Employment Coalition.
- Issue
3 v.1, No. 3, July 2, 2004.
In this issue of Intersection, find out why Youth Development is at
the core of all effective youth programs. Read about improving learning for
struggling students in a new self-assessment guide from the National Youth
Employment Coalition.
- Issue
2 v.1, No. 2, June 10, 2004.
Find out what "Intermediaries" are and how they meet the needs of businesses and job-seekers. Also, read about why Preparatory Experiences are essential for youth in developing aspirations and making informed choices about careers.
- Issue 1 v.1,
No. 1, May 17, 2004.
What components make a youth program successful? How to apply for the 2004
New Freedom Initiatives Award? What is NCWD/Youth? Find answers to all
these questions in our inaugural issue of Intersection.
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