Finds Their Way: Communities for Native Youth Transition
Project Description:
In collaboration with tribal, state and community partners, the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (SUCEDD) proposes Finds Their Way: Communities for Youth Transition project to address the unique needs and challenges experienced by Native American youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and improve adult outcomes through a multifaceted and indigenous approach. The goal is to increase access for Native students with ID/DD to skill development, knowledge, services, and supports to participate in long-term competitive integrated employment careers. Objectives serve to: 1) establish a Cross Cultural Tribal Community Collaborative to address transition outcomes for Native Youth with ID/DD; 2) design a Native American-led transition to employment framework for Tribal youth responsive to culture and identified needs focused on improving education, post-secondary, and employment outcomes; and 3) establish an effective, seamless, and sustainable transition approach for Native American youth with disabilities at the state and local levels. Anticipated outcomes include: 1) Native Youth with ID/DD becoming leaders who are strong advocates with access to culturally responsive resources and supports to fully participate in, contribute to, and become competitively employed in their communities; 2) establishment of long-term partnerships across systems and communities that can sustain the Employment Plan and create systems change to improve the experiences and outcomes for Native youth with ID/DD; and 3) the development of a Native and Youth designed employment implementation framework with universal application for Tribal and other underserved communities. Highlighted products include the Employment Transition Plan, digital stories and factsheets spotlighting youth experiences, Native Youth-led presentations at annual American Indian Disability Summits, and employment framework with tools and resources.
Keyword(s):
Native Youth, Transition, Employment, Indegenous
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
