Here to help build those work readiness skills!
Guiding your teen toward their career goals is no small feat, especially with the added challenge of a disability. We all know most teens are stubborn and fiercely independent. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, consider yourself lucky 😀. This can be an overwhelming and scary stage for parents and youth regardless of ability. I’m here to help you navigate the journey of disability-inclusive career readiness skills for youth with disabilities, with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring your teen can achieve their professional goals and thrive in the workplace.
Disability-Inclusive Work Readiness
Why it matters…
Vocational readiness is all about giving teens with disabilities the tools they need—skills, knowledge, and confidence—to succeed in the workforce. It’s important to focus on equal opportunities, accommodations, and a support team of parents, mentors, professionals, etc. These aspects will enable them to fully participate and excel in their chosen career paths.
Disability-Inclusive Work Readiness Skills Examples
Self-Advocacy:
The first step to disability-inclusive career readiness is helping your teen understand their rights and encourage them to speak up for what they need. Developing self-advocacy skills and giving them opportunities to practice expressing their needs is crucial to their overall success.
- Start by teaching them about their rights under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Which ensures they have reasonable accommodations at work.
- Encourage them to practice speaking up for their needs. You can role-play different scenarios at home and emphasize the importance of being clear and specific about what they require.
- Help them understand their strengths and limitations through keeping a journal. Remind them that ASKING FOR HELP is okay.
- Preparing and practicing can give your teen confidence in effectively advocating for themselves in the workplace.
Career Readiness Skill Development:
Working on soft skills like communication and teamwork daily in all environment will help these skills become second nature. Find opportunities to learn and work on hard skills specific to their chosen career. This will help with inclusivity when they begin working in their field of interest.
Other opportunities that can increase soft and specific skill development include:
- Encourage your teen to join clubs or activities that help build teamwork and communication skills.
- For hard skills, look into relevant courses or workshops. Like online coding classes for interests in tech or local vocational programs for hands-on careers.
- Involve your teen or young adults in managing their appointments and finances. These are crucial skills, and can be learned through everyday tasks at home.
- Volunteering or a part-time job can provide real-world experience. It can also help with learning to apply both soft and hard skills.
- Encourage exploration of different career interests. Stay open to new opportunities and your support will make all the difference!
Inclusive Workplace Accommodations:
Let’s chat about workplace accommodations for your teen. It’s crucial they know about and feel comfortable using any necessary modifications or assistive technologies.
- Start by helping them understand what accommodations they might need. Whether it’s a modified desk, screen readers, or flexible work hours. You can practice how they might request these accommodations during an interview or once they’ve got the job.
- Encourage them to do some research on the types of assistive technologies available and how they can benefit from them.
- Connect with local or online support groups where they can hear from others who’ve successfully navigated this. With this knowledge, your teen will feel more confident and prepared to advocate for what they need to succeed in the workplace.
- For more information on building an inclusive workplace click here.
Career Exploration:
Now we’ll dive into career exploration for your teen! It’s so important to give them opportunities to explore different career paths. Internships, job shadowing, and volunteer work are fantastic ways to do this.
- Start by helping them identify their interests and then look for opportunities that align with those passions.
- Internships can give them hands-on experience in a field they’re curious about, while job shadowing allows them to see what a typical day looks like in various roles.
- Volunteering can also be incredibly valuable, providing a chance to develop skills and make connections in different industries.
hese experiences can help your teen get a clearer idea of what they enjoy and what they might want to pursue as a career. Plus, they look great on a resume! Encouraging them to explore and try new things will help them make more informed decisions about their future.
Empowering Your Teen to be Career Ready
Help your teen understand their strengths, interests, and limitations, and teach them about ADA and their rights under that act. After all, knowledge is power. Encourage them to use open communication about their needs and how to articulate them to employers. This will help them feel confident in expressing what they need to succeed. Make sure they receive the necessary accommodations that will let them be successful in the field. They have a right to these. Alongside this, teach practical life skills like time management and problem-solving. These are vital for independence.
Get them involved in extracurricular activities. This is a great way for them to develop career-related skills and have fun at the same time. Using interest inventories and job shadowing or internships opportunities will give them the opportunity to explore different career options. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will allow them to begin building a support network of mentors and professionals. These professionals can provide valuable guidance and support. Also, don’t forget resources like community organizations, pre-employment plans, IEPs, government programs, etc. These can offer a variety of additional support options tailored to their needs.
Disability-inclusive career readiness for teens is a journey. With you on you their team, your teen or young adults can thrive in their career path.
Navigating the Disability-Inclusive Job Search
Now it’s time to start the job search, begin with helping your teen craft a resume and cover letter, and practice interviewing. On their resume, highlight their skills and achievements, and don’t forget to mention any accommodations or assistive tech they use. This is a chance to showcase their abilities and the support they need to thrive.
Then, practice common interview questions together and getting them comfortable talking about their strengths and needs, along with referring back to their resume. This will be essential for the interview and build on their self-advocacy skills. It’s a chance to boost their confidence and prepare them for the real deal. Additionally, having an open discussion about how to disclose their disability and request any necessary accommodations during the interview process is also a must.
Along with a discussion on disability disclosure, it will be helpful to look for disability-inclusive employers. Start by researching companies with inclusive practices. You can also check out job boards and career fairs focused on disability inclusion. These are great places to find employers who are committed to creating a supportive work environment. However, ADA is the law, and employers are required to follow it.
With these steps, you’re setting the stage for disability-inclusive career readiness for teens and young adults. The practice above will ensure your teen is prepared and confident as they enter the workforce.
Building a Continuous Support System
Another aspect of disability-inclusive career readiness is the importance of creating a supportive environment at home. It’s crucial to build understanding, encouragement, and patience, and involve the whole family in supporting your youth’s career goals. In addition to clubs and extra curricular activities, encourage your teen to participate in support groups or peer networks. Engaging with communities that share similar experiences can provide valuable advice and support. Whether it’s family or peers, having a solid support system helps your teen feel confident and motivated as they navigate their career journey.
Finally…
Empowering your teen with a disability to achieve career readiness is a multifaceted process that requires patience, support, and proactive planning. By encouraging self-awareness, enhancing skills, exploring career options, utilizing resources, and creating a supportive environment, you can help your teens build a fulfilling and successful career. Disability-inclusive career readiness involves ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive in the workplace. Remember, every step forward is a step towards their independence and empowerment.