Supporting Students with Disabilities in Career Exploration and Workforce Readiness

Professionals play a vital role in helping students with disabilities explore careers and prepare for success in the workforce. Whether students need guidance on career paths, support in reaching their goals, or work experiences, you can provide essential assistance.

Encourage students to reflect on their strengths, challenges, and workplace support needs. Teaching self-advocacy—like requesting accommodations and communicating effectively—sets them up for long-term success. Explore the resources on this page to learn more.

Transition School to Work - Dream Big!

The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) partners with school districts and community organizations to provide high school students with disabilities a range of valuable services—including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), School Work Study, Work Adjustment Training, and more. These valuable services help them prepare for competitive integrated employment (CIE). To learn more, watch this video and visit the OK DRS Transition website.

Resources

Oklahoma Mobility Management
Learn about a program that focuses on community needs using a variety of transportation providers.
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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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The Charting the LifeCourse Framework
These tools help students and families envision a good life and identify necessary supports.
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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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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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A 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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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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Career Onestop
This site can help families and youth find workforce services in their area.
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Employment Resources from PACER
Check out the Employment resources on this PACER site.
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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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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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O*NET
O*NET is the main resource in the U.S. for information about different jobs and careers.
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Oklahoma Edge
Visit OK Edge to learn more about Individual Career and Academic Planning.
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A Middle School Career Development Framework for Students with Complex Support Needs
Increase effective middle school career development practices and expectations for students with complex disabilities.
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Work-Based Learning for Students with High Support Needs: Themes, Strategies, and Policy Recommendations – NTACT:C
This brief outlines strategies to develop and implement work-based learning for students with complex needs.
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Side By Side View: Transition Services – NTACT:C
This document compares transition services requirements for Education, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and Pre-Employment Transition Services.
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Delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) – NTACT:C
Learn how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help students with disabilities get ready for jobs.
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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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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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Building a Resume
Tips for young people with disabilities on effective strategies for building their first resume.
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22 documents