Help Your Student Explore Careers and Plan for the Future

Are you a parent helping your child think about getting a job, but not sure where to start? Maybe they don’t know how to find a job, what kind of job they’d like, or they already have a dream career and need help with the next steps. No matter where they are in the process, there are many ways you can help! Start by talking with them about what they are good at and what might be challenging. Help them think about what support they might need at work and how to ask for it. 

Kids begin learning job skills at home. These are called “soft skills,” like listening to directions, finishing tasks, coming back from breaks on time, and working well with others. It’s also important to be on time, handle changes in plans, ask for help, and accept feedback. 

Whether your child is just exploring options or already planning, they should know who can help them. A great way to start is by checking out the resources below! 

Resources

Let’s Work Documentary
A true story of eight young people with disabilities achieving great things at work!
The Charting the LifeCourse Framework
These tools help students and families envision a good life and identify necessary supports.
Increasing Independent Living Skills
Learn how to help your children and youth build independent skills for job success.
Work-Based Learning Self-Paced Course
This course explains work-based learning, its importance, and relevant laws for students with disabilities.
A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities
This is the Policy Guide on Transition from OSERS.
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
This website page from PACER has free downloads on many transition topics.
Career Onestop
This site can help families and youth find workforce services in their area.
Employment Resources from PACER
Check out the Employment resources on this PACER site.
Youth Talk about Their Jobs
In this video, youth share why employment is important to them.
Youth Talks: Nick on Employment
In this 3 min video, a young man with autism shares his experiences with employment.
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.
O*NET
O*NET is the main resource in the U.S. for information about different jobs and careers.
Oklahoma Edge
Visit OK Edge to learn more about Individual Career and Academic Planning.
Competitive Integrated Employment CIE) Hub | U.S. Department of Labor
This site offers resources to increase the participation of people with disabilities in CIE.
Building a Resume
Tips for young people with disabilities and their families on effective strategies for building the …
15 documents