Transition Guide – Employment

Questions to Consider

• What are your career goals?
• How will you reach these goals?
• What supports and/or resources do you need to reach your vocational goals?

Aged 10-12

• Complete chores at home
• Explore and discuss what you want to do in the future (dreams)
• Demonstrate the ability to make choices/develop decision making strategies
• Follow directions finish what you start

Aged 12-14

• Describe employability skills
• Explore Career and Technical Education Program options
• Begin developing career portfolio – including copies of required identification
• Engage in community services/volunteering

Aged 14-15

• Continue career exploration – participate in job shadowing
• Continue development of career portfolio include copies of assessment, work samples, etc. – link this information to your Summary of Performance
• Begin to set post high school goals
• Evaluate future financial needs and how these relate to career choices

Aged 15-16

• Continue career exploration – situational assessments
• Continue development of career portfolio include resume development
• Identify and explore all sources of potential employment
• Understand/state what it is that you can ‘bring” to an employer
• Understand private/government resources for employment

Aged 16-17

• Continue development of career portfolio include updates to all documents
• Begin narrowing job selection from just “a job to make money” vs “a job that interests you”
• State and know how to acquire the accommodation and supports needed for employment
• Discuss what additional training/skills are needed to continue to enhance employment
• Engage in competitive employment

Aged 18-21

• Develop skills for employment/volunteer position sustainability
• Master employability skills
• Acquire the accommodations and supports needed for employment
• Make use of private/government resources for employment

Explore More Resources

SSI and SSDI Work Incentives

• http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/generalinfo.htm

Employment Search Engine

• http://monster.com

Career Interest and Occupational Information

• https://www.onetonline.org/
• http://www.schoolfinder.com/careers/3step1.asp
• http://www.bls.gov/k12
• http://vawizard.org (VA)
• http://knowitall.org/series/kids-work
• http://www.cteresource.org/ (VA)