Quality work-based learning experiences can be a key part of transition planning for students with disabilities. Through work-based learning experiences, students have an opportunity to learn about various career areas and try different work styles, find out what type of work they enjoy, find out how they learn best in a workplace setting, and find out what natural supports are available. Students learn and practice basic foundation skills and begin to develop life-long career skills.

This resource listing identifies websites, readings and program materials that can help with planning work experiences and developing Work-Based Learning Plans for students with disabilities. When developing a work experience and writing a Work-Based Learning Plan, it is important to focus on a student’s abilities and vision rather than on any disabilities. Planning should focus on student’s short-term and long-term goals, work interests, skills (what the student can do well) and any accommodations or supports needed, rather than on what the student "can’t do." This page includes readings on identifying natural supports, planning reasonable accommodations, using "People First" language, and other topics helpful for program staff.

Email webmaster@resources21.org with suggested resources and links.


Connecting Activities
Connecting Activities / Work-Based Learning
Website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/connect
Transition
Using the Work-Based Learning Plan to Support Transition Activities for Students with Special Needs
Download: wblp_transition.pdf
Work Based Learning - Why?
Why Work-Based Learning -- Creating Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities
Website: http://www.ncset.org/topics/wblearning/default.asp?topic=19
Person Centered Planning
Person Centered Planning
Website: http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=16&...
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable Accommodations
Website: http://www.ncset.org/topics/employmentsupports/default.asp?t...
Reasonable Accommodations
Website: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/accommodation.html
Reasonable Accommodations
Website: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/atoz.htm
Handbook - WBL and Fair Labor Standards Act
Website: http://www.ncset.org/publications/essentialtools/flsa/defaul...
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology - Easter Seals Massachusetts
Website: http://ma.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=MADR_home...
Massachusetts Health and Human Services - Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Resources
Website: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Co...
ESE Assistive Technology Resources
Website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/edtech/assistive/
Assistive Technology Resources
Website: http://www.abledata.com/
Career Exploration Websites
Career Exploration Websites
Website: http://www.youthhood.org/index.asp
CareerVoyages: Good Job, Better Pay, Brighter Future
Website: http://www.careervoyages.gov/index.cfm
Task Analysis
Job Analysis: An Important Employment Tool
Website: http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/17/11928/11928-11928...
Universal Design
Universal Strategies for the 21st Century Workforce
Website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/categories/workforce/univ_des.htm
21st Century Skills
Soft Skills: The Competitive Edge
Website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/softskills.htm
What Young People with Disabilities Need to Know - Work Ethic, Communication, & Problem-Solving
Website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/essential_job_skills.pdf
Dignity of Risk (Parent’s Concern for Safety)
Dignity of Risk (Parent’s Concern for Safety) - "Lost Lives"
Website: http://tcds.edb.utexas.edu/TSDPT/T%20Nerney%20Handouts.htm
Self-Advocacy/Self-Determination
Kids as Self Advocates
Website: http://www.fvkasa.org/resources/work.html
Self-Determination for Postsecondary Students
Website: http://www.ncset.org/topics/sdpse/default.asp?topic=7
Self-Advocacy in the Workplace
Website: http://www.ldaamerica.org/aboutld/adults/workplace/self-advo...
Self-Determination: A Fundamental Ingredient of Employment Support
Website: http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=205
Mentoring
Career-focused Mentoring for Youth: The What, Why, and How
Website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/cfm.htm
Family Support
Preparing for Employment on the Home Front
Website: http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=2844
Work-Based Learning and Future Employment for Youth: A Guide for Parents and Guardians
Website: http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=1222
Youth and Family
Website: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/who_Are_You/youth_and_Family/inde...
Vocational Assessment
Transition Assessment Guide
Website: http://www.nsttac.org/products_and_resources/tag.aspx
Career Planning Begins with Assessment
Website: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/assessme...
People First Language
Interacting with People with Disabilities
Website: http://www.mass.gov/mod/InteractingBraille.doc
Communicating With and About People with Disabilities
Website: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/disabili...
Disability Disclosure
The 411 on Disability Disclosure
Website: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/411.html