Description:
Work Together NC is a statewide, grant funded initiative focused on the transition to adulthood people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The project aims to improve the quality of life of people with ID/DD and their families through (1) making it easier to navigate systems of support in the transition to adulthood (2) increasing access to meaningful work, continued education, and community engagement
Project coordinator, Jacklyn Boheler, will provide an overview of the project activities, including the development of an IDD Inclusive Employment Alliance and employer recognition program, a Community Transition Plan, and website, worktogethernc.com, a one-stop hub for finding IDD services and resources.
Trainer: Jackie Boheler, MS, OTR/L: Jacklyn Boheler, MS, OTR/L is the project coordinator of Work Together NC, a statewide project focused on improving systems involved in the transition to adulthood for people with IDD. Jacklyn was awarded one of the 2023 Leadership & Advocacy awards through the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities. Jacklyn’s primary areas of advocacy include disability inclusion/universal design in the workplace, the transition to adulthood for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, inclusive post-secondary education, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
Learning Objectives:
By end of the program, participants will be able to:
1. Identify at least 3 new resources for navigating the transition to adult IDD services and opportunities.
2. Apply an innovative new model for educating and recognizing “IDD inclusive” employers.
3. Formulate at least one idea about future directions of the initiative.
References
- Blake, H., Hanson, J., & Clark, L. (2021). The importance of an inclusive alumni network for ensuring effective transitions into employment and future destinations for people with learning disabilities. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 49(4), 445-455. https://doi.org/10.1111/bld.12429
- Lee, G. K., Curtiss, S. L., Kuo, H. J., Chun, J., Lee, H., & Nimako, D. D. (2022). The role of acceptance in the transition to adulthood: A multi-informant comparison of practitioners, families, and youth with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(4), 1444-1457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05037-1
- Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Kwiatek, S., Voggt, A., Chang, W.-H., Fowler, C. H., Poppen, M., Sinclair, J., & Test, D. W. (2021). Secondary transition predictors of postschool success: An update to the research base. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 44(1), 47–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143420959793
- Young, R. A., Marshall, S. K., Stainton, T., & Chi, E. (2022). Transition to adulthood: Prospective content in joint parent-youth conversations for young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 68(4), 538-546. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2020.1827212