Parents! Do you know you make a huge difference in how successful your sons and daughters are as adults?
The evidence is in! When parents are involved, everyone benefits.
- Youth do better in school and in life.
- Young people have increased motivation and better self-esteem.
- More youth go on to college and other post-high school training.
- Youth are better able to get and keep jobs.
- Communities grow stronger.
Here’s what the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth has to say about the importance of family involvement. All youth need parents, families and other caring adults who:
- Have high expectations for them.
- Help build on the young person’s strengths, interests, and needs.
- Foster the young person’s ability to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
- Are involved in their lives and help them become successful adults.
- Know how to get information about employment, further education and community resources.
- Take an active role in transition planning with schools and community partners.
- Have access to medical, professional and peer support networks.
In addition, youth with disabilities need parents, families and other caring adults who:
- Know about their youth’s disability and how it affects his or her education, employment and/or daily living options.
- Know their rights and responsibilities under various disability-related legislation.
- Know about and access programs, services, supports and accommodations available for young people with disabilities.
- Know how good planning can help youth achieve a successful transition to adulthood.