Pre-graduation Transition Services for Improving Employment Outcomes among Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review reports the findings of an electronic search through 30 computerized databases to identify interventions that "predictably and positively supported the development of transition programs designed to produce employment outcomes for individuals with ASD." Although none of the 85 studies examined met all the inclusion criteria for full review, the authors did identify studies that addressed elements of potential successful employment placements.

The Corporation for National and Community Service and the Office of Disability Employment Policy issued a Dear Colleague letter [PDF] promoting national service for youth, and describing how it can provide critical preparation for young people as they transition from school to employment.

Promise for the Future: How Federal Programs Can Improve the Career Outcomes for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions [PDF] examines federal programs that can provide assistance in meeting the educational, vocational, and basic supports needs of young people ages 16 to 30 with serious mental health conditions. A related compendium of fact sheets [PDF] is also available.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Family Employment Awareness Training in Kansas: A Pilot Study by G. Francis; J.M.S. Gross; R. Turnbull; and W. Parent-Johnson (Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 38(1), 44-57) reports that the Kansas Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) program succeeded in raising expectations for competitive employment among people with disabilities, their families, and support professionals. FEAT also increased participants' knowledge about transition-to-employment services, supports and resources. (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

How to Keep a Job: The Young Adult's Guide [PDF] offers a variety of tips on professional conduct at work.

Models of Success: Employment for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder contains research findings from VCU-RRTC, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research. Topics covered include using the iPod Touch as Assistive Technology; college students with ASD and careers; transition-aged youth with ASD and community-based functional assessment; and much more.

The Campaign for Disability Employment developed public service announcements to educate Americans about the importance of focusing on ability and setting goals for employment. The Youth Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employment's "I Can" PSA [PDF] is intended to help youth and adults plan and lead discussions in their communities about fostering employment expectations for all young adults, including those with disabilities.

Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members [PDF] offers a variety of hands-on activities to build and support relationships between people with disabilities and other community members. Some of the worksheets may also be useful for determining employment connections and potential natural supports.

The Knowledge Translation for Employment Research Center at Virginia Commonwealth University maintains the Employment Research Database, a database of articles addressing interventions that lead to successful employment outcomes. The entries may be sorted by a variety of categories, including disability type, type of intervention, employment characteristics or outcomes measured, and more.

In Dale DiLeo's recent blog post on The Two Sides of the Employment First Coin, he discusses what must happen in order for Employment First advocacy efforts to succeed.

Families/caregivers and service coordinators/case managers who have applied for SSI benefits (or assisted in the SSI application process) for an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities are asked to complete an online survey about their experiences with the process. The survey asks about what is working well, challenges and recommendations for improvement. The purpose of the research is to improve the SSI system and application process. Responses are anonymous and will not affect the SSI benefits individuals receive. Survey participants are eligible for an incentive by lottery.

The newest Ticket to Work Success Story [Video] features Lisa Seeley discussing her experiences with panic disorder and agoraphobia.  After receiving career counseling and advice about employment accommodations, Lisa began a successful home-based job.   

Have you accessed your Portal today?

Visit the TACE Transition Services web site. In the "Login For" section on the left-hand side of your screen, select "Counselor" or "Coordinator." This will take you to the "Login to MyTACE Account" page. You will use your MyTACE Account to register for available events, seek applicable credit, and access your specialized portal - Transition Services Counselor or Coordinator. 

Attended a TACE Webinar? You may already have created a MyTACE Account. If you have a MyTACE Account, email tacesoutheast@law.syr.edu and request to join the TACE Transition Network. If you don't already have a MyTACE account, follow the instructions to "Create a New MyTACE Account" and also apply for Portal access.