 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Lita H. Jans, PhD and Lewis Kraus, MPH, MCP. InfoUse, 2560 Ninth Street, Suite 216, Berkeley, CA 94710, 510-549-6509, ljans@infouse.com
The Role Models for Youth with Disabilities Project developed CD-ROM, video, and website products featuring adults with disabilities who can serve as role models for transition-age students. The products, developed for students, their parents, and professionals who work with them, provide students with an ongoing opportunity for career awareness and exploration and an aid to eventual career selection. The CD-ROM and video feature 54 role models in a wide range of occupations. The Web site features additional role models.
This project addresses the considerable obstacles students with disabilities face in moving from school to the work force. One-third of students in special education drop out of school before graduating from high school. Among those who complete high school, over 40% remain unemployed after five years.
Developing a positive self-concept and realistic career expectations must take place early in the process of preparing for the workplace. Role models with whom students can identify and who share their interests can help motivate students to think about exploring careers they have not thought of as realistic options. Unfortunately, young people with disabilities as well as parents and educators often have little exposure to others with similar disabilities who are working in their chosen livelihoods.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescents, Disability
Related Web page: www.infouse.com
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: InfoUse
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Developer of the software and videos to be shown.