The UNT WISE e-News Bulletin is published six times a year by UNT WISE by the Department of Rehabilitation, Social Work & Addictions (DRSWA) at the University of North Texas.
Editorial Staff
Editor
Martha Garber
Director
Linda Holloway Chair, DRSWA
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From the desk of: Martha Garber
It is time to plan summer youth activities. Summer is a great time to focus on experiences that build confidence, enhance interpersonal skills, and expand a youth's exposure to careers. Here are a few thoughts. Be more intentional about using opportunities that naturally occur as well as creating specific plans. Take the opportunity to discuss the jobs you see as you and your youth travel together. Look for experiences that help youth become more aware of the work environment that they prefer, as well as the kind of work they like. Consider getting your youth involved with community service, a summer job, or a camp. Plan activities that allow them to be in contact with good role models. Most of all, youth need to have FUN while they are learning. Choosing a career pathway is an exciting journey of discovery, and youth need to enjoy traveling to a bright future.
Advising Youth on Postsecondary Options
The National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities has a new Guidance and Career Counselors Toolkit. The 194 page document is filled with strategies and information to assist the counselor, parents and students. Tips on transition planning and activites to round out the transition process can both be found in the document..
Career Voyages
The US Department of Education's Career Voyages website holds a wealth of information for students, parents, career changers and career advisors. Students can take a virtual journey to answer questions like: "Where do I start?; Where will there be a demand for jobs?; How do I get a job?; Does education pay? and, How do I pay for education?"
High demand industries are highlighed and links are available to specific state information. Called "the ultimate road trip to career success," it can keep you intrigued for hours.
Success Stories
Nothing is more inspiring than hearing about someone's success after facing similar challenges. The New England ADA Center has assembled a group of videos titled, Watch Students Tell Their Stories. In the videos, students with disabilities share their strategies to completing their education and becoming successfully employed.
Jerry White, co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace, was gravely injured and lost his leg in a landmine accident in 1984. He will share his personal experience and practical advice for coping with loss an hope for the future on the May 22 UNTWISE webinar.
Focus on Youth Transition
This downloadable Directory of Federally-Supported Projects and Centers that Focus on Youth Transition will give information on the technical assistance resources availible for transition. For each entity, the mission, purpose, target audience, services and contact information is provided.
2009 Training Schedule
April 3, 10 & 17: Transition: Guideposts, Youth involved with Juvenile Justice and Serving Youth with Mental Health Needs webinar
April 28-30: Supported Employment: Basic Skills Clinic Baton Rouge, La
May 8: Dr. Judith Cook Beyond Supported Employment: Economic Security as a Pathway to Recovery webinar
May 22: Noble Peace Prize winner Jerry White Overcoming a Life Crisis webinar
June 5, 12 & 19: Social Security Benefits and Impact on Work webinar
July 7,14 & 21: Autism: The Basics, Employment & Transition webinar
For a list of all of our training programs, visit our calendar!
"Follow your
bliss."
Joseph Campbell
ideas that create opportunity