About This Website
This website is a product resulting from the New York State Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). DEI is a Systems Capacity Building Project. In New York State, DEI is focused on developing, improving, and supporting inclusive career pathways for 14 to 24 year-olds with disabilities by increasing their participation in existing Career Pathways programs.
Key partners supporting DEI include: Local Workforce Development Boards: Hempstead Works, CDO Workforce, Tompkins County Workforce, New York State Department of Labor, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Commission for the Blind, New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York State Council on Children and Families, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and Our Ability Inc.
The total cost of the Disability Employment Initiative Round 8 program is 2.5 million dollars. The 2.5 million dollars (100%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration grant.
How to Use This Website
This website is designed for multiple audiences, including youth with disabilities pursuing employment, as well as the people and organizations who support them.
Job Seekers
There are four primary ways to start exploring this website:
- Explore the Job Seeker's Journey to find resources from the Career Exploration all the way to the Career Advancement stage. Make sure to check out the tools and forms that will help guide you through this journey.
- Learn about how an IRT can support you throughout every stage of your professional journey.
- Discover resources that are specifically organized for youth with disabilities.
- Read through different success stories to inspire you.
Parents, Guardians, and Caretakers
There are three primary ways to start exploring this website:
- Discover resources that are designed to help parents, guardians, and caretakers support youth with disabilities.
- Learn about an IRT and how it can help youth with disabilities in your life.
- Visit the Other Information page to learn more about important legislation and research.
School Professionals
There are two primary ways to start exploring this website:
- Discover resources that are designed to support school professionals who help guide youth with disabilities find employment.
- Learn about the IRT process and how it can help the youth with disabilities that you support.
Community-Based Organizations
There are three primary ways to start exploring this website:
- Discover resources that are designed to support CBOs who help youth with disabilities to find employment.
- Learn about the IRT process and promising practices specific to workforce CBOs.
- Visit the Sustainability page to learn recommendations on how to sustain the IRT.
Businesses
There are three primary ways to start exploring this website:
- Discover resources that are designed to support businesses employing youth with disabilities.
- Learn about the IRT process and promising practices specific to businesses.
- Visit the Sustainability page to learn recommendations on how to sustain the IRT.