Healthy Transitions: A Pathway to Employment for Youth with Chronic Health Conditions and other Disabilities [PDF] from the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy shares highlights from a 2012 study on health care transition commissioned by ODEP.

The Department of Labor's Work in Progress blog started 2014 with a post discussing the importance of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) in helping youth plan their career paths through high school and beyond. The Office of Disability Employment Policy released a new Kick Start Your ILP toolkit to guide students through the process of creating and using an ILP.

 Differences in Service Delivery Between Transition VR Counselors and General VR Counselors (Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 57(2), 109-115) by A.J. Plotner, J.S. Trach, K.M. Oertle, and A.R. Fleming, examines the relationship between the VR counselors' primary job roles and the counselors' perceptions of the importance of, frequency of, and preparation for providing a set of transition activities. (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

Transition to Community by Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome: Staying Afloat in a Sea Change by E. Giarelli and K. Fisher (Disability and Health Journal, 6(3), 227-235) reports the findings of a study designed to examine the movement out of secondary school to independent living or higher education among young adults with Asperger syndrome. (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

Job Acquisition by Urban Youth with Disabilities Transitioning from School to Work (Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 57(1), 31-45) by P.B. Gold, E.S. Fabian, and R.G. Luecking,  reports findings from an evaluation of the Marriott Foundation's Bridges from School-to-Work Program, "a national multisite intervention offering paid competitive employment to high school youth enrolled in special education programs." (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) for Youth published six tip sheets to help guide youth through various life transitions and challenges. Specific action steps and additional resources are included. Topics covered are:

• Becoming a Stronger Self-Advocate
• Leading Your Transition Planning
• Learning Disability History
• Getting Involved in Volunteering
• Serving on Decision-Making Boards
• Participating in Internships and Work-Based Experiences

Jill Houghton, executive director of the US Business Leadership Network, posted Career Mentoring Youth with Disabilities as a Business Strategy on Disability.Blog, the official blog of Disability.gov.

Disability.gov's Guide to Employment provides links to many programs and services that connect people with disabilities to employment services.

Mayberry Meets the ADA - Confidentiality and Coworkers is a blog post addressing the issue of confidentiality in the workplace related to the ADA.

The Green Economy and Job Creation: Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the USA (International Journal of Green Economics, 7(3), 257-275) by S. Bruyére and D. Filiberto, suggests implementing a focused strategy to train and engage people with disabilities in the green economy. (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

The State of the Science of Employment and Economic Self-Sufficiency for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 51(5), 376-384) by D. Nord, R. Luecking, D. Mank, W. Kiernan, and C. Wray, reviews the literature on the effectiveness of the current employment support system, employment-specific interventions, and the economics and cost benefits of employment for people with IDD. The authors also present recommendations and directions for future research. (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

Strategies to Jumpstart Employment Innovation, an EARN/Exchange Business & Disability Blog post, features guest blogger Elaine E. Katz, Program Center Senior Vice President at the Kessler Foundation, discussing strategies that employers and rehabilitation practitioners may use to increase the employment of persons with disabilities.

The December 2013 issue of the LEAD Center LEAD On! newsletter is now available. This edition highlights news and innovations in employment, policy and economic advancement for adults with disabilities.

The January 2014 Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) newsletter is now available. This month's topics include National Mentoring Month, federal hiring of people with disabilities, and the Workforce Recruitment Program.

How Do Social Networks Influence the Employment Prospects of People with Disabilities? (Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 25(4), 295-310) by C.R. Langford, M. L. Lengnick-Hall, and M. Kulkarni, explores the role of social networks used by people with disabilities for finding employment. (Article abstract is free; the full text version may require a subscription or purchase.)

Engagement in Vocational Activities Promotes Behavioral Development for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, November 2013 online) by J.L. Taylor, L.E. Smith, and M.R. Mailick, reports study findings suggesting that "greater vocational independence and engagement was related to subsequent reductions in autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors, and improvements in activities of daily living."

The Explore VR SSDI Video Project seeks individuals with a disability who are currently employed and who wish to share their success stories with others. Specifically, the project is looking for people who:

• Have received services from a state VR agency,
• Are former Social Security Disability Insurance recipients, and
• Now earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount.

Stories will be discussed with and filmed by staff from the Explore VR project at the Institute for Community Inclusion. Individuals whose stories are chosen for the project will receive a $500 stipend.

The Social Security Administration has announced 25 new Compassionate Allowances conditions, which qualify for expedited disability application processing.

Meet Ben! An Introduction to Ticket to Work [Video] is a four-minute video from the Social Security Administration explaining options and services offered through the Ticket to Work Program.

One of the biggest concerns SSI beneficiaries have about going to work is the possibility of losing Medicaid coverage. Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act provides some protection for these beneficiaries.

Disability.gov's Benefits section has links to a wealth of resources about Social Security disability benefits and assistance programs and services for people with disabilities, seniors and their families.

The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) website features the Open Hands, Open Access: Deaf-Blind Intervener Learning Modules and the Transition Toolkit: Enhancing Self Determination for Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind.

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.