Training and Independence Programs for Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities

These programs give students with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy a variety of experiences: exploring vocational possibilities, getting some job experience, expanding independence skills and self-reliance, and broadening their horizons.

Sampling the World of Work: Outreach Summer Employment Program
Perkins School for the Blind
http://www.perkins.org/community/outreach/sampling.html
"Teenagers who are visually impaired often have fewer opportunities for employment during the summer…The Outreach Summer Employment Program will place high school students in entry-level positions in the greater Watertown [MA] area. Students will be matched to the job and provided with a job coach to help them learn the job and support them, as needed, as they work independently."

Services for Youth
The Carroll Center for the Blind
http://www.carroll.org/services/youth.php
"The Carroll Center serves the needs of blind and visually–impaired persons by providing rehabilitation, skills training, and educational opportunities to achieve independence, self–sufficiency, and self–fulfillment and by educating the public regarding the potential of persons who are blind and visually–impaired." Based in Newton, MA, their programs for youth, include Youth in Transition, Real World Work Experience, and Computing for College.

Youth Services
Lighthouse International
http://www.lighthouse.org/clinical-services/youth-services
Lighthouse International, based in New York, offers a range of programs for youth, including Career Services for Youth, Summer Youth Transition Program, and Youth Employment Program.

Transition to Independence Club
National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Transition_Club.asp?SnID=1794352496
"The club's goal is to increase employment readiness, instill independence skills, and build self-confidence of blind or low vision high school students in Maryland. While this program emphasizes the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industries, it also focuses on other career paths for blind youth through increasing exposure to careers and role models in a variety of fields."

Summer Seminar for High School Students
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults
http://www.hknc.org/VocRehabHSSUMMERPROG.htm
This two-week residential program for deafblind high school students focuses on vocational planning and skills for independent living.