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Maine's CHOICES CEO Project

Priority #3: Post-secondary Education and Employment Services for Youth Transitioning from School to Work

Children services, the services received while in secondary school, help young people with disabilities complete high school. Once students graduate, they receive adult services, which are often not as comprehensive.

Adult services can impact whether someone is able to find and keep a job or continue their education and training. The funding of adult services, and the types of services offered need to be fully examined to ensure resources are being spent in the most effective way.

Current Activities

The Maine Transition Network has recently completed working on a demonstration project that addresses the understanding of one's disability, fears about disclosing disability information with employers, and that provides information on how to ask for accommodations.

This tool was developed for young people and educators. The curriculum, student workbook, and pictures from this demonstration can be found on the demonstration webpage. It builds on a publication of the National Collaborative on Workplace and Disability, titled, "411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities." See pictures from the demonstration sessions held throughout the state.

Short-term Goals

• Formation of a task group to oversee work on this priority.
• Development of a strategic plan specific to improving the transition experience and related services.
• A one-day forum for stakeholders during which findings from the planning process will be presented and information on experiences and resources will be gathered.

Long-term Goals

• Transition from children to adult services is seamless, and employment and post-secondary education and training is adequately funded for those who desire to pursue it.
• Parents have a better understanding of the differences between children and adult services, and have the resources to be strong advocates throughout the education and transition process.
• Students are strong self-advocates, receive support to recognize their long term goals, and are able to identify those who can help make their goals possible.
• Educators and service providers 1) are aware of the importance of the transition experience to future employment; 2) know what students in transition need; 3) understand relevant legislation; and 4) apply the best known approaches to help young people in transition.
• Employers are better connected to secondary and post-secondary schools, provide educational work opportunities, and act as partners in developing student skills that meet future workforce needs.

CHOICES CEO activities are staffed out of the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. This web site is part of the CHOICES CEO project, funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through a grant to Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (grant #11-P-92409/1-03). Views expressed do not represent official policy of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, or the University of Southern Maine.