As someone who works with teens with disabilities, you are in a position to help guide them in considering their future possibilities and explore their independence. Parents and family members may seek you out for guidance or seek help in finding information and resources.
On this page we will highlight some resources, access to training, and other information you may find helpful in working with teens and families.
Education
High school may not be the end of many teens' educational experience. Many may decide to go for more education or training. Here are some resources that may be helpful.
Maryland's Transition Guide: Read about Maryland's transition process in the Secondary Transition Planning Guide for individuals with Disabilities.
Helping Teens Prepare for their First Job!
Career Exploration and Job Analysis
O*NET OnLine is an online tool for career exploration and job analysis! It has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more! Visit O*NET
Employment Supports & Services
There are agencies and services available to help your teen find a job. They include: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and the American Job Centers. Learn more about these programs and the services they can provide.
Forms of Identification Teens will Need for Employment
Employers will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) and an official identification such as your social security number, certified birth certificate, or Maryland Identification Card. Learn more about these forms of identification and how to obtain them.
Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Your teen has certain rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are laws that protect them from discrimination in the workplace. Learn more about your teen's rights and responsibilities.
The National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials
The National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM) is sponsored by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The NCRTM offers the vocational rehabilitation and education communities an opportunity to contribute new knowledge to their specific fields and gain visibility for their work. Visit National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM)
National Rehabilitation Information Center
NARIC is the library of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) that collects, catalogs, and disseminates articles, reports, curricula, guides, and other publications and products of the research projects funded by NIDILRR. Visit the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
Helpful Resources for the Whole Family
Maryland ABLE Account
MD ABLE accounts are a new way to help individuals with disabilities save money and pay for qualified disability-related expenses without jeopardizing federal means-tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid. Learn more about MD ABLE accounts (Maryland 529)
Changes in Benefits at Age 18
At age 18, youth who get SSI must go through two kinds of medical reviews to keep their benefits. Learn more about these medical reviews or Age 18 Redetermination.
Age 18 Redetermination
At age 18 a child becomes an adult and the ability to work must be included in the disability determination. MD The Age 18 Redetermination
Related Resources:
Forms of Identification
June 17, 2017Applying for Jobs
June 17, 2017Criminal Records and Employment
June 10, 2017Maryland ABLE Accounts
January 19, 2017National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD)
January 17, 2017Think College
January 14, 2017PACER
January 14, 2017O*NET
January 14, 2017Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD)
January 7, 2017Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
January 3, 2017Transition planning
Both the IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act make clear that transition services require a coordinated set ofactivities for a student with a disability within an outcome-oriented process. This process promotesmovement from school to post-school activities, such as postsecondary education, and includesvocational training, and competitive integrated employment. A transition guide to postsecondary education and empoloyment for students and youth with disabiities.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
The Maryland Higher Education Commission’s website provides guides about how elementary, middle, and high school students can prepare for postsecondary education as well as information about college searches and financial planning.
Accommodations that are Available in College
Accommodations are available after high school, but they may be different. Accessing accommodations is the teen's responsibility. Learn About Accessing Accommodations After High School
Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Think College publishes personal stories from students, families, and postsecondary education professionals related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.
Intervention Fidelity in a Large-Scale Model Demonstration Project: Lessons Learned from Maryland PROMISE
The Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) project is a 5-year, two-group, randomized controlled trial funded by the U.S. Department of Education in October 2013. Six sites were awarded funding to test the effectiveness of a multicomponent experimental intervention for improving academic, career, and financial outcomes for youth with disabilities receiving supplemental security income (SSI) benefits and their families. Awardees include Arkansas, ASPIRE (a consortium of six western states), California, Maryland, New York, and Wisconsin. Intervention Fidelity in a Large Scale Model Demonstration Project