Members of the public are invited to participate in an online dialogue to examine the impact of existing federal regulations and legislation on the successful transition from school to work of youth and young adults with disabilities. The U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration will host the event May 13-27 and invite policymakers, educators, service providers, families, youth, the advocacy community and others to join this conversation to improve transition outcomes.
Youth and young adults with disabilities face unique challenges that may complicate their educational achievements as well as their plans for school, training and work. Data indicates that youth with disabilities are more likely to drop out of high school, less likely to pursue postsecondary education, more likely to withdraw from postsecondary education programs, and less likely to be employed than are youth without disabilities.
As a result, they may have poorer educational and employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities and fail to achieve the maximum independence possible.
“Once students with disabilities leave secondary education, they must have the skills to be college and career ready,” said Michael Yudin, U.S. Department of Education acting assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services. “Federal laws and policies must align to encourage and promote success for our youth with disabilities. By engaging in this dialogue, you can provide valuable input in helping to identify current federal barriers to transition from school to work.”
The four host agencies are particularly interested in identifying federal legislative and regulatory barriers regarding employment, education, Social Security, and health and human services. Input received during the two-week, facilitated online dialogue will help these agencies improve policies, practices and interagency strategic planning.
To register for and participate in the dialogue, visit http://FPTepolicyworks.ideascale.com.
