Resourcing Inclusive Communities’ Post

Empowering Lives, Transforming Futures: Join Us on Our Mission 🙂 At Project Focus, we are committed to providing life-changing programs and services for students and young adults with developmental disabilities. Through innovative approaches like drama therapy and mental health supports, we help our students connect, grow, and thrive. As they transition into adulthood, we infuse job training and life skills development to equip them for future success. Our programs foster meaningful friendships, independence, and lifelong achievements. But our vision doesn’t stop here—we aim to create a permanent campus that integrates our current programs with a workforce training center and supported living community. This inclusive environment will provide vital resources and opportunities for our students to build independent, fulfilling lives. 🤟 Join us in making this vision a reality and help us continue empowering lives and transforming futures. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 💙  Learn more and support here: https://lnkd.in/eu2UsKht or contact Clay - cclemens@projectfocususa.org. #Community #Housing #TampaBay #Tampa #StudentsWithDisabilities #Disabilities #Empower #Independence #Jobs #EconomicDevelopment #JobTraining Focus Academy, Charter School Robert Flagg See less

I recently spoke with a parent from New England who had gone to incredible lengths to support her adult son throughout his educational and vocational journey. She worked tirelessly to help him access specialized high school programs and postsecondary vocational training—at great financial and emotional expense. Yet, despite all her efforts, her son found himself “unlaunched.” After completing a year-long residential vocational training program, he had no realistic job opportunities. The position he was trained for required a driver’s license—something his medical condition prevented him from obtaining. Despite applying for more than 50 jobs in their local community, the family faced rejection after rejection due to his lack of a license and the need for workplace accommodations. Desperate for a solution, the parent reached out, hoping to find a next step—a job that suited her son’s skills and a community where he could thrive. During our conversation, I asked what I thought was a simple question: "Have you worked with your local vocational rehabilitation services?" Her response was heartbreaking: "What’s that?" Here was a parent who had done everything in her power to support her child, investing time, energy, and resources into his success. Yet, she was never informed about the very services designed to help adults with disabilities find and sustain meaningful employment. This should never happen. As educators, providers, and advocates, we must do better. It’s our responsibility to ensure families know about the local resources available to support their young person’s transition into adulthood. This includes not only vocational rehabilitation services and career centers but also developmental service organizations, independent living centers, and more. These agencies provide critical support—from job placement and training to workplace accommodations and community integration. Connecting every student with disabilities to these essential services should be a priority, not an afterthought. Find your nearest local office by either contacting your state’s vocational rehabilitation office (https://lnkd.in/eF_QaCzX), or through the American Job Center network (https://lnkd.in/eywqdscy). #DisabilityEmployment #VocationalRehabilitation #CareerCenters #SpecialEducation #TransitionPlanning #TransitionServices #TransitionAssessment #IEP #Adulthood #CommunitySupport

Erikson’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for impactful careers in a field that allows them to evolve their practice in new ways over time. Read more in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/47xAolu #msw #socialwork #earlychildhood #earlychildhoodeducation #eriksoninstitute

Research shows that by the age of six, children begin forming aspirations, but many adopt limiting stereotypes based on gender, ethnicity, or background. By age nine, some have already started letting go of their biggest dreams. That's why at SIPS Education Ltd we are working with The Careers & Enterprise Company to connect primary school children’s learning to the world of work. By volunteering just a small amount of your time, you can: • Raise awareness and inspire young children to explore a variety of jobs and career pathways. • Break down barriers and stereotypes that limit their future possibilities. • Help kids understand how what they learn today connects to skills they'll need in tomorrow’s workplace. Your involvement can make a real difference! To register your interest, click here: https://lnkd.in/euRyEYHt #employerengagement Schools are based in Sandwell Council Walsall Council Dudley Council and Birmingham City Council

We developed a Field Guide of research-based practices to prepare students with disabilities for work. One of the practices that came out of this process was the value of sharing knowledge across campus. Practicing what we preached, we collaborated with universities across Ontario to understand the causes of the employment gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers. Jessica Lovett, PhD of Lakehead University was an important contributor. Read about her lessons, along with insights from other pilot schools, in the #AbleTo Prepare Students for Work Field Guide. The Field Guide is here and ready for you to use! https://lnkd.in/eFiiTbcc

"For disabled people, going to university almost halves the disability job gap....My severe chronic illness made attending traditional university unthinkable – until the pandemic happened." On Higher Education Day, learn more about Rosie Anfilogoff's journey and why maintaining remote access is essential for disabled students and workers worldwide. https://ow.ly/oIqg50S31pG #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #HigherEd #DisabilityJustice ID: Photo of a person studying on a computer and with notebooks. They are holding a cup of coffee and wearing a lanyard with a sunflower design.

Today in our youth development program we conducted an intensive workshop on identity formation and self-discovery with the children under our care. Research consistently shows that a strong sense of identity is crucial for psychological well-being, particularly for children who have experienced early life trauma or family separation. Our program combines elements of positive psychology, narrative therapy, and strength-based approaches to help children develop: A positive self-concept Understanding of their personal narrative Recognition of their unique strengths and abilities Tools for resilience and emotional regulation Sense of belonging and community connection. The results we're seeing are remarkable. Through structured activities and therapeutic discussions, our children are developing stronger self-awareness and confidence. This not only supports their current well-being but lays crucial groundwork for their future success in education, relationships, and career development. As we continue to expand this initiative, we welcome connections with child development professionals and organizations interested in collaborative opportunities to enhance youth identity development programs. https://lnkd.in/gNpy_bZT #MWLcares #OrphanCare #Identity #ChildDevelopment #MWL #EverylifeisPrecious #Education #OrphanEducation

Resourcing Inclusive Communities (an initiative of Family Advocacy) is hosting a free webinar on 11 February called "Accessing Work Experience Through School Webinar." Learn how to successfully navigate work experience opportunities for your young person while at school. Work Experience should be a positive experience for the student and start them on their journey towards paid, open and meaningful employment. The main goal is to create personalised experiences based on the young person's interests, contributions, and conditions for success. This is most likely to have the best outcomes. This free webinar will cover; - Working with schools to ensure optimum work experience - Why starting early is essential - Engaging with employers - Getting the supports right - How to successfully approach roles and tasks Who is this for? This webinar is for families of secondary school students who are considering work experience in the future. Education, health and disability professionals are invited as well. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gaWQJc5j

The Caregivers Teachers Students Conference (CTSC) provides a platform to discuss students' overall development, covering their academic, social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. It helps foster a strong bond with caregivers and understand students' strengths and areas of improvement. A quick survey run by our Community Development team provides insights into the impact of these meetings. Khoj team recently facilitated a school-wide conference where caregivers could interact 1:1 with teachers, community development team and other school stakeholders to understand their child's growth and co-plan the ways forward. #SELStories #EmpathyInEducation #ConnectingThroughNarratives #SEL #socialemotionallearning #mentalhealth #wellbeing #education #empathy #emotionalintelligence #educators #inclusion #emotional

NEW: Our evaluation of Youth Employment Service North East for Youth Futures Foundation has been published. 📑 Youth Employment Service North East, a collaboration between Youth Futures Foundation and North East Autism Society, supported neurodiverse people aged 18-24 in Tyne and Wear into employment and education. Our research examined which elements of the model were effective in driving education, employment, and training outcomes. 🔍 We found the programme helped >1/2 of participants into employment, education or volunteering/work experience. Young people’s confidence and wellbeing also increased. However, the evaluation identified that consideration is needed on how future programmes can: 📢 Engage and recruit eligible participants on a larger scale 🤝 Develop strong links with employers to build pathways to employment Read the full evaluation: https://lnkd.in/egtDKGqA