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As part of their individual development, today's youth need to learn and understand how to take action for themselves as they transition into adulthood. The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) developed a series of "Youth in Action!" tip sheets aimed at helping youth learn and think about important transition issues. 

• "Becoming a Stronger Self-Advocate"
• "Leading Your Transition Planning"
• "Learning Disability History"
• "Getting Involved in Volunteering"
• "Serving on Decision-Making Boards"
• "Participating in Internships and Work-Based Experiences"

While these tip sheets are designed for youth to read and use, they are also helpful tools for family members, educators, and youth service professionals to use in discussions with youth. NCWD/Youth is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.

New Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) brochures are now available online! These documents include an 8.5" x 11" three-fold brochure for general audiences and a 14" x 11" bi-fold brochure targeted to employers.

The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC), in partnership with the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN), and other organizations focused on employment of youth and young adults with disabilities, launched a newly reorganized Youth to Work Coalition (YTWC) website. The purpose of this website is to house resources that help link employers and schools to resources for work-based learning experiences for youth with disabilities. The resources are organized across 8 work-based learning experience (WBLE) categories: (1) career exploration, (2) job shadowing, (3) job sampling, (4) service learning, (5) internships, (6) apprenticeships, (7) paid employment, and (8) mentoring. Within each WBLE category, resources are organized for the following audiences (1) schools, (2) businesses, (3) youth service professionals, (4) families, and (5) youth with disabilities.

In January, YTWC launched its 2013 webinar series, a recording of which is available on their website.

To help millions of people recognize what they can do to make a difference in the lives — and future careers — of young people with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Labor's Campaign for Disability Employment has released a new video public service announcement titled "Because." The PSA features real people with disabilities — not actors — who are pursuing and realizing their goals and passions as a result of the support they received from everyday people in their lives. Because nearly 1 out of 5 Americans has a disability, the PSA is intended to replace myths and misperceptions about disability employment with new views of what people with disabilities can do.

"Many people who achieve success and have found satisfaction in their careers have done so because one person believed in them and urged them to set their expectations high," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "This PSA challenges viewers to rethink their ideas about what people with disabilities can achieve and consider what they might do to encourage young people with disabilities to pursue their personal and career goals."

The PSA is being distributed to more than 1,400 television, including cable, English- and Spanish-language stations.

"Because" is the latest product of the Campaign for Disability Employment — a unique collaboration of leading business and disability organizations with the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy that promotes the hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. Campaign members include the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Job Accommodation Network, the National Business and Disability Council, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Society for Human Resource Management, Special Olympics and the U.S. Business Leadership Network.

To download the PSA and posters or learn more about the Campaign for Disability Employment, visit www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

The U.S. Census Bureau has released updated statistics on the population of people with disabilities in the U.S. According to the new figures, 56.7 Americans (18.7% of the population) have some type of disability. Of this number, an estimated 38.3 million (12.6%) have a disability characterized as "severe." These numbers reflect incidence of disability across all age groups. One in ten transition-age youth (15 to 24 years old) has a disability.

The findings, which are contained in a study based on the Bureau's 2010 Survey of Income and Program Participation, also provide estimates on the prevalence of different types of disability:

• Vision impairment: 8.1 million (3.3%);
• Hearing impairment: 7.6% (3.1%);
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs: 30.6 million (12.6%), including people who use wheelchairs (3.6 million) and canes, crutches, or walkers (11.6 million);
• Difficulty lifting or grasping: 19.9 million (8.2%); and
• Cognitive, mental, or emotional impairments: 15.2 million (6.3%).

The Bureau's report, "Americans with Disabilities: 2010," also covers distribution by age and gender and provides estimates on various economic factors, including employment rate, income levels, program participation, and health insurance coverage. The report and related information are available on the Census Bureau's website.

More than a year ago a group of remarkable young people came together to advocate for a new addition to government: youth leadership. Their proposal was to create a Presidential Youth Council that would advise the President and every federal department in the Cabinet. Now, the Campaign for the Presidential Youth Council has officially launched and is gaining traction with the support of more than 100 leading youth-focused organizations. Read on to learn more about this exciting initiative and the latest developments in the Campaign. The Presidential Youth Council, comprised of young Americans ages 16-24, will advise the President on the perspectives of youth, offer suggestions on how to make federally funded youth programs more efficient and effective, and will create shared recommendations on issues that will affect the long-term future of our country.

The Campaign for Disability Employment’s 2012 “What can YOU do?” Video Contest challenged the general public, youth, and employers to produce disability employment awareness videos that reflect the diversity of skills people with disabilities offer, challenge common misconceptions about disability and employment, and reinforce the “What can YOU do?” initiative’s core message that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. The CDE’s national “What can YOU do?” initiative reinforces that people with disabilities want to work and that their talents and abilities positively impact businesses both financially and organizationally.

Contest winners were selected in three categories; General Public, Youth, and Employer. Judging was based on originality, content, reflection of campaign themes and categories, production value, impact, and accessibility. Three first place winners—one in each of the General Public, Youth, and Employer categories—will receive an *Apple® iPad®, while two runners-up each will receive $250.00, courtesy of the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®). Winning videos will now be used in support of the CDE’s national effort to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

Click here to learn more and watch all three winning videos.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the launch of its first disability-related application challenge, which is designed to generate innovative tools that will improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities. The goal of the app challenge is to promote recruitment resources for employers, develop job training and skill-building tools for job seekers, facilitate employment-related transportation options and expand information communication technology accessibility. Awards with cash prizes — totaling $10,000 — will be given to the top three submissions. Contestants must register for the contest on the Challenge.govwebsite and submit their apps by August 23, 2012.

Read the full news release.

The National Council on Disability (NCD) -- an independent federal agency that advises the president, Congress, and other federal agencies on the policies and programs that affect the lives of people with disabilities -- welcomed Stephanie Orlando to the agency. On July 5, 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Orlando to NCD. She was confirmed by the United States Senate March 29, 2012.

Orlando works for YOUTH POWER!, a program of Families Together in New York State. YOUTH POWER! is the state coordinating entity for RAMP in New York State, and Families Together in Albany County is one of the three New York RAMP sites.

NCD's Chairman Jonathan Young hailed Orlando's confirmation saying, "Once a recipient of children's mental health, special education and residential services herself, Ms. Orlando has grown into respected advocate for youth with disabilities. Her previous work with NCD as the Chairperson of our Youth Advisory Committee and the valuable work she's done since have demonstrated her commitment and skill in championing equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities – particularly the next generation. We enthusiastically welcome Stephanie to the National Council on Disability."   

With the addition of Stephanie Orlando, the NCD Board now consists of: Chairman Jonathan Young, Vice Chair Janice Lehrer-Stein, Gary Blumenthal, Chester Finn, Sara Gelser, Marylyn Howe, Matan Koch, Lonnie Moore, Ari Ne'eman, Dongwoo ("Joe") Pak, Clyde Terry, Dr. Fernando Torres-Gill, Linda Wetters and Pam Young-Holmes.

After receiving children’s mental health, special education and residential services herself, Orlando has become a strong advocate for youth with disabilities on county, state and national levels. Beginning in 2006, she served a term as Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Committee to the National Council on Disability. Orlando serves on the New York State Commissioners’ Committee on Cross-Systems Services for Children & Youth, the New York State Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Special Education Services, the New York Mental Health Services Planning Council, and the Board of Directors of the Children’s Mental Health Coalition of Western New York. She received the Diana Vietz Award in 2008 from the National Council on Independent Living, the mpower Award in 2006 from Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association) and the 2004 Erie County Executive Award for Disability Employment Awareness Month. Orlando earned her Bachelor of Arts in 2005 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

The U.S. Department of Education launched the National Education Startup Challenge, inviting students to develop an innovative solution to an education problem and design a blueprint for a new company or organization – a startup – to deliver that solution. The National Education Startup Challenge provides an opportunity to highlight the leadership abilities and entrepreneurial energies of today’s youth. Students from across the country have until May 1, 2012 to submit a business plan and a video pitch for a for-profit or nonprofit startup that includes an innovative strategy, product or service designed to address one of four topics:

1. Middle Grades Matter –Helping middle school students transition to high school and stay on track to graduate.
2. Skills, Skills, Skills –Providing students in rural, urban, and/or high-poverty communities with opportunities for internships or other work- and community-based learning experiences that help them develop skills for success in postsecondary education, 21st century careers, and civic life.
3. Education Pays –Making it easier for students and families to find and select high-quality, affordable postsecondary programs – whether colleges, universities, or career training programs – that provide good value.
4. Finishing Faster –Increasing the likelihood that postsecondary students complete their degrees, and decreasing the time it takes them to finish, such as by improving and speeding up remedial education.

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) released a Practice Brief entitled “Career Exploration in Action.” This brief is part of a series of publications called Innovative Strategies Practice Briefs. Each brief highlights strategies for implementing a specific practice gleaned from Innovative Strategies from NCWD/Youth-identified promising and exemplary programs. All of these programs and strategies are available online in an easy-to-use searchable database.

This latest brief describes strategies and resources that youth programs and school systems use to engage all youth in exploring various career options. All youth need career exploration opportunities to identify how their interests and skills relate to various careers, learn what education and training is needed to pursue careers of interest, and make informed decisions about their future. Some types of career exploration activities include career-related guest speakers, workplace visits and tours, job shadowing, career fairs and career days, and career-focused mentoring.

NCWD/Youth is a project led by the Institute for Educational Leadership.

Congratulations to mentees in the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) at Walter L. Cohen High School for turning a mock job fair assignment into a reality. This RAMP site is operated by the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center's Human Development Center in New Orleans, LA.

Keith, Davon, Yashonda, and Louis are all gainfully employed since learning how to complete job applications, how to successfully perform in job interviews, and how to dress for success for interviews and the workplace. The RAMP mission was to provide meaningful practice of each of these skills for students. The students’ mission was to follow-through by applying their new skills in the real world. These four students did that and are now gainfully employed in our community. Their victory proves that setting goals and putting the necessary effort into achieving those goals pays off. Congratulations to these four students!

The partners of the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE), in collaboration with Concepts Inc., are creating a new public service announcement (PSA) focusing on the contributions by youths with disabilities.

In 2009, CDE launched the award winning “I Can” PSA highlighting the skills and abilities of employees with disabilities. CDE and Concept Inc. are currently seeking youth participants with disabilities to be featured, and possible scenes in the PSA include:

• A child (elementary school age) who is blind or has an intellectual disability
• A child (middle or high school age) with a disability who participates in a sport
• A child (middle or high school age) with a disability who is involved in student council or other leadership activities
• A child (middle or high school age) with a disability who is involved in theater/drama
• A high school student or young adult who works in a non-office environment (workshop, auto shop, retail)
• A young adult who works in a science-oriented environment (lab, hospital, medical office)
•  

Young adults and youths with disabilities interested in participating in this opportunity should have their parents or guardians (when applicable) contact Concepts, Inc. Representative Rebecca Skipper at rskipper@conceptspr.com or 202-316-8290.  

The president launched an “Educate to Innovate” campaign to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This campaign will include efforts not only from the Federal Government but also from leading companies, foundations, non-profits, and science and engineering societies to work with young people across America to excel in science and math. Learn more at the White House website!

President Obama announced his intent to nominate Stephanie Orlando to serve on the presidentially appointed National Council on Disability (NCD). Orlando works for YOUTH POWER!, a program of Families Together in New York State. YOUTH POWER! is the state coordinating entity for the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program in New York State; and Families Together in Albany County is one of the three New York RAMP sites.

NCD is a small, independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. NCD is comprised of a team of fifteen Senate-confirmed Presidential appointees , an Executive Director appointed by the Chairman, and eleven, full-time professional staff.

Orlando is the Director of YOUTH POWER! of Families Together in New York State, a statewide advocacy network comprised of young people who have disabilities and experience in state child-serving systems. After receiving children’s mental health, special education and residential services herself, Orlando has become a strong advocate for youth with disabilities on county, state and national levels. Beginning in 2006, she served a term as Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Committee to the National Council on Disability. Orlando serves on the New York State Commissioners’ Committee on Cross-Systems Services for Children & Youth, the New York State Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Special Education Services, the New York Mental Health Services Planning Council, and the Board of Directors of the Children’s Mental Health Coalition of Western New York. She received the Diana Vietz Award in 2008 from the National Council on Independent Living, the mpower Award in 2006 from Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association) and the 2004 Erie County Executive Award for Disability Employment Awareness Month. Orlando earned her Bachelor of Arts in 2005 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Read the White House press release here.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) released a brief entitled "The Role of Mentoring in College Access and Success." The brief, authored by the Pathways to College Network (an IHEP program) and the National College Access Network, aims to serve as a tangible resource for individuals from college access programs, youth development organizations, and advocacy.

In identifying the role of mentoring in college, the brief provides a set of effective practices—grounded in research—for professionals at the K-12 or higher education level who are interested in starting mentoring programs or improving existing efforts. The brief addresses topics related to program planning; mentor recruitment, training, and matching; and monitoring program effectiveness.