For the first time, a generation of American youth with disabilities has survived beyond their diagnosis/prognosis. But, because of poorly managed health problems, many cannot maintain placement in higher education, sustain employment, or live independently.
If they are not healthy, even with quality inclusive education and expanded opportunities for competitive employment, they cannot reach their potential in the classroom or on the job. Their performance is affected, their productivity reduced, and they may fail to master necessary skills. Knowing how to manage health issues, no matter the severity, increases their chances of a successful transition from school to work and a productive adulthood.
Students and their team members participating in the VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Youth Transition Project are given the information, training and support necessary to succeed in the classroom, within the community, and on the job. They gain a better understanding of their health, learn to participate more effectively in their health care decisions, and identify appropriate supports. Each participant assembles a team of 4-5 people who support his/her dream of independence.
The teams meet on a regular basis with the VISTA members who provide training, utilizing the Individualized Career Planning Model, developed and successfully administered by the Montana Rural Institute (http://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/transition).
The model was designed to enable students with even the most significant disabilities to transition from school to work, and from student services to adult services successfully with the use of Social Security Work Incentives, natural supports and other community service linkages. The model offers a template for individualizing vocational curriculum to prepare students with disabilities for life after school. VISTA members serve as trainer/facilitators in the Individual Career Planning Model's process.
For students interested in postsecondary education and for whom postsecondary education is integral in accomplishing their employment goals, the VISTA members work with the participant and his/her team to develop supports in the college of their choice.
Project locations: Reno/Sparks, Las Vegas, Fallon, Elko, Carson City
Other VISTA Activities:
- Develop Students First self-advocacy groups in the high schools to teach about rights, participation in Individual Education Plans, setting goals, etc.
- Help transition age youth with disabilities develop a team of supporters to assist with employment goals
- Facilitate monthly team meetings to develop an employment plan, portfolio, strategy
- Provide training to team members about employment negotiation, natural supports, work incentives, healthcare management and benefits, community resources, etc.
VISTAs Support People First of Nevada http://www.peoplefirstofnevada.org by:
- Conducting monthly People First meetings;
- Bringing information and resources to members about services, employment, housing, transportation;
- Representing the views of the disability community to local/regional committees and boards;
- Developing resources for income generation;
- Educating the members and the public about the issues facing people with disabilities
For more information about the VISTA Youth Transition Project contact VISTA Supervisor, Diana Rovetti at 775-682-9057, or email rovetti@unr.edu.
Want to become a VISTA?
http://www.nationalservice.org/about/role_impact/state_profiles_detail.asp?tbl_profiles_state=NV
The VISTA Youth Transition Project is a collaborative between Family TIES of Nevada and the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities http://repc.unr.edu/UCED. Funding for the project comes from grant CFDA #94.013from the Corporation for National and Community Service http://www.nationalservice.org.