Join our nationally-recognized experts on family engagement as they present on best practices on family engagement during the transition from school to employment. Families of students and young adults with disabilities are critical partners throughout the transition process. School staff and employment service providers must form effective working relationships with families to in order to realize and obtain improved employment outcomes for students and young adults with disabilities. 

This series is beneficial for all stakeholders during the transition process, and is particularly useful for school staff, employment service providers, community partners, and families themselves. Our experts will provide essential information that summarizes recent research. They will share best practices, strategies, and tools, that attendees can put to use immediately.

 

 

Series Description:

This 3-part webinar series will provide educators, employment professionals, social workers, advocates, and families with strategies, concepts, and tools to assist with establishing effective working relationships with families of youth with disabilities. The series will encourage viewing the family engagement process through a lens of empathy and understanding and examine key areas such as communication, the impact of expectations, and partnering to achieve success in transition and employment. Particular focus will be on working with families of transition-age youth and young adults with disabilities who are considering employment options. 

 

Webinar 1: April 9, 2020, 2-3:30 pm ET – Archive & CEUs Available

Understanding and Partnering with Families: Concepts, Strategies, and Action Steps

Research supports family engagement as a key strategy for improving post-school employment outcomes. Yet, many school staff and community partners may require assistance in establishing effective working relationships with families. This webinar will provide practical tips and tools that can use used by professionals. Families should be seen as an essential partner, and this webinar will provide the information necessary to help make those partnerships a reality.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding traditional and current approaches to family engagement
2. Viewing family engagement as a strategy to help improve outcomes
3. Building strong collaborations that lead to effective family engagement
4. Learning practical strategies that can be used immediately

 

Webinar 2: May 26, 3:30-5:00 pm ET

We Can Do Better: Examining the Impact of Expectations on Families and Students

Understanding the impact of expectations on professional practice, family decision-making, and student outcomes is fundamental during the transition process for youth with disabilities. What shapes expectations in families, youth, and professionals? Are there common practices that may inadvertently cause expectations to be lowered? What can be done to raise expectations, especially for students with high support needs? This interactive webinar will explore the impact of low expectations on students and offer strategies for all partners to raise expectations for student achievement.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding raising expectations through a dual capacity model
2. Understanding what current research says about the impact of expectations
3. Understanding the power of messaging and its impact on family expectations

 

Webinar 3: June 30, 2020, 2-3:30 pm ET

Embracing Competitive Employment: Helping Families Work through Apprehension

Family members may be a bit apprehensive about envisioning a child with high support needs working in a real job. These feelings are real and should be considered in a respectful and constructive manner. This webinar will benefit employment services providers and school staff and will offer strategies for better understanding the experience of families and tips for turning families into your most important partner in the job search and support process.

Learning Objectives:

1. Achieving a better understanding of family perceptions of competitive employment
2. Strategies to help families see their child as a potential employee
3. Understanding how to use a structured family interview to gather information and establish a partnership
4. Strategies to help build the capacity of staff and systems to better engage families