Help Your Student Explore Careers and Plan for the Future

Are you a parent helping your child explore job options but not sure where to begin? Whether they’re unsure what they want or already have a dream job in mind, you can help guide them! Start by talking about their strengths, challenges, and the support they might need at work.

Job skills start at home—like listening, following directions, being on time, and working well with others. These “soft skills” are key to success.

Wherever your child is in the process, it’s helpful to know who can support them. A great first step: check out the resources below!

Resources

Building a Resume
Tips for young people with disabilities on effective strategies for building their first resume.
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Career Onestop
This site can help families and youth find workforce services in their area.
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Competitive Integrated Employment CIE) Hub | U.S. Department of Labor
This site offers resources to increase the participation of people with disabilities in CIE.
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Employment Resources from PACER
Check out the Employment resources on this PACER site.
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Increasing Independent Living Skills
Learn how to help your children and youth build independent skills for job success.
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Let’s Work Documentary
A true story of eight young people with disabilities achieving great things at work!
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O*NET
O*NET is the main resource in the U.S. for information about different jobs and careers.
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OK Career Guide
Explore careers, take assessments, create education plans, and connect with employers online.
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OKcollegestart
Explore resources for succeeding during and after high school, including financial aid, careers & more. 
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Oklahoma Edge
Visit OK Edge to learn more about Individual Career and Academic Planning.
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Oklahoma Mobility Management
Learn about a program that focuses on community needs using a variety of transportation providers.
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PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
This website page from PACER has free downloads on many transition topics.
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The Charting the LifeCourse Framework
These tools help students and families envision a good life and identify necessary supports.
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Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities
This is the Policy Guide on Transition from Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
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Transition Tips: How Parents Can Help Their Youth Find Employment Success
Five practical strategies for helping their youth be successful when first looking for employment.
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Work-Based Learning Self-Paced Course
This course explains work-based learning, its importance, and relevant laws for students with disabilities.
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Youth Talk about Their Jobs
In this video, youth share why employment is important to them.
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Youth Talks: Nick on Employment
In this 3 min video, a young man with autism shares his experiences with employment.
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18 documents