“As an employer, I’ve been fortunate to have employees with intellectual disabilities who meaningfully contribute to our programs, and as a mother, I have been so proud of my own son with Down syndrome as he has worked in the community at a grocery store and is also working toward a career as a photographer, and I don’t think these are isolated cases of what success can look like. People with intellectual disabilities have much to offer when given the opportunity!” – Stephanie Meredith
Our Spring Seminar on “Employment for Youth with Disabilities: Seeing a Brighter Future” was held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30pm ET, and it’s available now online.
The seminar was held at the UK Coldstream Research Campus Human Development Institute Training Room 1525 Bull Lea Road, Lexington KY. A link to the live video stream of the seminar was sent to registrants.
Presenters:
Stella Beard, Assistant Director, Kentucky SPIN
Stephanie Meredith, Information Services Director and KentuckyWorks Staff, HDI
Harold Kleinert, Professor Emeritus and KentuckyWorks Staff, HDI
Panelists: Clay Carroll, Megan McCormick, Andy Meredith
Overview:
Sometimes parents and professionals struggle to imagine what employment is available for students with intellectual disabilities. The speakers for this interactive seminar showed the possibilities and explore what practical steps to take throughout the school years to prepare for the world of work. The panelists, young adults with intellectual disabilities, talked about how they got their jobs, how they prepared throughout the school years, and what dreams they still want to achieve.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a vision statement to share your son or daughter’s dreams with professionals.
- Create an action plan with 3 practical steps to prepare your son or daughter for employment.
- Identify the employment resources that can help you right now.
This program was presented in conjunction with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. CRC credit hours are pending for Rehabilitation Counseling.