Independent Futures That Work

10/21/2026

Registered Apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway for young people to prepare for meaningful careers. The five key elements include paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a nationally recognized credential. Together, these elements allow apprentices to earn while they learn, strengthen their skills, and gain real-world experience. Learn more by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBvwXhRDAIM

This video highlights the five key elements of Registered Apprentic...

10/20/2026

Transition Tuesday: Find Your Path
There are lots of ways to get where you're going. Some paths are familiar. Some are new. And sometimes, you need to try a few before you find the right one.
The same is true after high school. There isn't one “right” path for everyone.
Transition planning should help you explore possibilities and find the path that works for YOU.
Curious about different career paths? My Next Move can help you explore and build your career pathway. https://www.mynextmove.org/

Streamlined career search and discovery for students and job seekers. Includes a built-in interest assessment and access to training, education, and job opportunities. Straightforward, easy-to-read one-page career reports help guide individuals’ next move on their road to a satisfying career.

10/14/2026

The 2026 NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the important contributions people with disabilities make to America’s workplaces and economy. Young people with disabilities deserve opportunities to bring their skills, ideas, and leadership to inclusive workplaces where their talents are recognized and valued. Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qwOlvHcrKc

This “Celebrating Value and Talent” video showcases the important w...

10/13/2026

🍁 Transition Tuesday: Gather Your Resources
Fall is a great time to gather what you need for the season ahead. Transition planning works the same way! A young person doesn't have to navigate their future alone. Think about the people and resources that can help you reach your goals.
🍁 Your voice belongs in the conversation. Youth Engagement Now offers resources created by and with young adults with disabilities to help young people build leadership skills, share their voice, and take an active role in planning for their future. https://yen.transitionta.org/

Welcome to Youth Engagement NowExplore resources developed by youth with disabilities across the country to access tools to successfully engage and involve youth partners in projects to support impactful change.Youth Engagement Tools Choose a topic to get started.Laying the FoundationHow to Find You...

10/07/2026

It’s ! Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the valuable contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces across the country. As young people with disabilities transition into adulthood, they deserve meaningful opportunities to explore careers, develop their skills, earn competitive wages, and lead decisions about their futures. Employers and community partners also have an important role in creating accessible, inclusive workplaces where everyone’s talent is recognized. Watch this video to learn more about NDEAM and the value workers with disabilities bring to our workforce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=BdrG4kItOKs

Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month...

10/06/2026

Transition Tuesday: Turning Over a New Leaf
October is a time of change across the Northeast. The leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter, and we start preparing for the season ahead. Transition planning is about preparing for change, too.
You don't need to have all the answers. Transition planning is a process, and your goals can change as you learn more about yourself and your options.
Not sure where to start? I’m Determined has tools to help you explore your strengths, interests, preferences, needs, and goals as you think about what's next. https://imdetermined.org/youth/

A place for youth to get started with information, resources and upcoming events. Meet our youth leaders or apply to be a youth leader!

09/30/2026

Learn what every student should know about Pre-Employment Transition Services and Vocational Rehabilitation. This youth-friendly resource explains how Pre-ETS can help students with disabilities explore careers, identify their strengths, gain real-world experience, build skills, and prepare for life after high school.https://raisecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/What-Youth-need-to-know-about-Pre-ETS.pdf

09/29/2026

Everyone has different strengths, talents, and abilities. Knowing what you are good at can help you make confident decisions about your education, career, and future. Write down three things you are good at or enjoy doing, and be proud of your accomplishments! Watch the video: https://youtu.be/qapy6xkwmmYY

09/23/2026

Explore youth recommendations for improving Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-Employment Transition Services, and transition services. Learn how professionals can better listen to youth, focus on their strengths, create real-world opportunities, communicate accessibly, and support young people in leading decisions about their futures.https://raisecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Youth-Recommendations-for-Improving-VR-Pre-ETS-and-Transition-Services.pdf

09/22/2026

Becoming more independent looks different for everyone. You can start by learning everyday skills like managing money, cooking, making appointments, or using transportation to help build your routine. Pick one independent living skill you want to practice this month! Watch the video: Helping kids become more independent https://youtu.be/OV4RSlqAu3A