How Your Future Could Include Employment - A Workshop for Young Adults

Every young adult has been asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Early exploration of careers, including individual likes and dislikes, is critical to answering this question. Families are often the first and most consistent influence a person with a disability will have. It is necessary that young adults be strong advocates for the type of jobs they seek. Families also play a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities network and land their first paying job.

For youth and families, the transition to adulthood is an uncertain time. Where will they work? Where will they live? Will they have friends and be able to do things they enjoy? Many families of youth with significant barriers to employment may not be able to envision employment in the community for their sons and daughters. The activities that young adults engage in early on, play a vital role in helping explore potential careers. Families can support career exploration by supporting these activities and honoring the decisions, the young adults make.

Young adults and their families may get messages from professionals that sheltered work or day programs are the safest and only option. Before this happens, it is important for young adults to have explored all options available to them, so they are equipped to advocate for what they want in a career. This session is intended to energize youth to explore careers of their choosing and advocate to all, about their choices.