Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is the unemployment rate of working age people with disabilities?
2. What can I do NOW help my child "get ready" for the world of work?
3. What is a self-determined individual?
4. What can families do to help students become more self-determined?
5. What is appropriate interview clothing?
6. What will be asked of students in an interveiw?

What is the unemployment rate of working age people with disabilities?

Nearly 60% of working age people with disabilities are unemployed.  A 1998 
poll by the National Organization on Disability shows that only 32% of 
disabled workers are employed compared to 81% of non-disabled workers.

Back to Top

What can I do NOW help my child "get ready" for the world of work?

Kids learn so much from listening and watching their parents.  Parents are 
the model at home.  Begin openly sharing issues that occur where you work.  
Share when you need to ask off (2 weeks prior) for vacations and/or 
appointments.  Share when someone gets promoted or terminated at work and 
why.  Talk to them about your education, training and future retirement 
goals.  You, as the model at home, are a wealth information your student 
entering the world of work.  So share........

Back to Top

What is a self-determined individual?

Self-determined individuals believe in themselves; set goals for themselves; 
make good choices and decisions; explore and take healthy risks and learn 
from their successes and failures.

Back to Top

What can families do to help students become more self-determined?

Begin to discuss strengths and what a student likes to do; begin to think 
about possible post-graduation goals, including possible schooling and 
careers; give opportunities for students to make choices and set goals; 
support students' efforts to explore, take healthy risks and try out new 
situations.

Back to Top

What is appropriate interview clothing?

We reccommend church type clothing..... black or khaki pants, nice shirt 
with a collar, belt, and matching shoes for guys.  For girls, nice pants and 
blouse and matching shoes or a simple dress.

Back to Top

What will be asked of students in an interveiw?

*Can you work weekends?
*What are your strengths and weaknesses?
*Tell a little about yourself
*What are your hobbies and interests
*What experience or jobs have you had (paid & unpaid)?

Back to Top