It is often said that no dream comes true until you wake and go to work. For people with disabilities, getting employed is the biggest part of the challenge. Finding and keeping employment can be of the most difficult endeavors we take in life. Typically, students begin exploring job opportunitues while they are still in school. This should be occuring for all young people, including those students with disabilities, but the reality is that the exploration and learning isn't always happening. Read Jobs for Youth, Inc. was created to address this gap in services. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusive employment opportunities for teenagers and young adults with development disabilities, ages 14-29.
One mother recently wrote:
“Real Jobs for Youth has been an answered prayer for my daughter, Lindsey. Her many learning disabilities made holding a job very difficult. With each job loss her self-esteem had dropped to the point she no longer wanted to find work for fear of rejection. A call to Real Jobs for Youth resulted in a prompt appointment. Debby(executive director) worked with Lindsey on developing a resume and exploring options that would suit Lindsey’s needs.They discussed appropriate interview techniques and completing job applications. Soon afterwards Lindsey applied for her next job. She was the only applicant with a resume and was able to present herself in a positive manner. We both know that this was due, in large part, to Debby’s coaching. Lindsey got the job! She has been working for over three months now and continues to have a smile on her face.
Thank you Real Jobs for Youth.”
"Having a disability is a natural part of the human experience."
(as expressed in the U.S. Developmental Disabilities Act)
"People with disabilities constitute 6.5% of all working-age individuals who are employed in the U.S. (2006 American Community Survey)
Promoting Inclusive Employment Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities, Ages 14-29
