National Technical Assistance Centers
The following websites provide access to employment related resources, training & technical assistance, as well as, current & archived webinars from national technical assistance centers.
Click the resource below to move to the related information:
- Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center
- GW Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education
- The LEAD Center
- Burton Blatt Institute
- National Disability Institute (NDI)
- University of Arkansas Currents
- Policy Works
- The Career Index
- NTACT (National Technical Assistance Center on Transition)
- WestEd NCSI (National Center for Systemic Improvement)
- PROMISE Technical Assistance Center
- Job-Driven Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (JDVRTAC)
- Other National Web-based Resources
- Additional Transition/Employment Related Initiative Websites
Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center
The WINTAC is led by the Interwork Institute at San Diego State University and consists of the following partners:
- The National Disability Institute and their LEAD Center
- The George Washington University’s Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education
- The University of Arkansas CURRENTS
- PolicyWorks
- The Career Index
- The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Syracuse University’s Burton Blatt Institute
The WINTAC provides training and technical assistance (TA) to State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) and related agencies and rehabilitation professionals and service providers to help them develop the skills and processes needed to meet the requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The five technical assistance topic areas include: (1) Pre-Employment Transition Services, (2) Implementation of Section 511 Requirements/ Subminimum Wage Certificates, (3) Resources & Strategies for Competitive Integrated Employment, (4) Integration into the Workforce Development System, and (5) Transition to the common Performance Accountability System.
GW Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education
The Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education (CRCRE) aims to enhance research, as well as to provide opportunities for growth and development to a diverse population including persons with disabilities.
As a partner in the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC), GW will oversee the technical assistance provision of the Pre-Employment Transition services
(Pre-ETS) for students and youth with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, to State VR Agencies, their partners, families and individuals with disabilities.
A tool kit of resources is available for download.
The National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD Center) is a collaborative of disability, workforce and economic empowerment organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable individual and systems-level change to improve competitive, integrated employment and economic self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities. Led by National Disability Institute, with funding through a five-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. The LEAD Center offers webinars on topics that are timely for people working in the workforce and/or disability systems, and for people with disabilities and their support networks. These webinars are opportunities to interface with thought leaders and subject matter experts about important issues affecting the disability community.
This year’s webinar series focuses on both the newly passed Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and opportunities through new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rules to promote integrated competitive employment for people with disabilities. These webinars will deliver valuable information for workforce development professionals, policy makers, employers and people with disabilities. Recordings of all LEAD Center webinars are archived here, along with presentation materials and a transcript of the webinar content.
The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University reaches around the globe in its efforts to advance the civic, economic, and social participation of people with disabilities. Given the strong ties between one’s ability to earn income and fully participate in their communities, BBI’s work focuses on two interconnected innovation areas: Economic Participation and Community Participation. Through program development, research, and public policy guidance in these Innovation Areas, BBI advances the full inclusion of people with disabilities. Newsletters and publications are available.
National Disability Institute (NDI)
In 2005, a small group of parents, family members and individuals with disabilities joined together with leading thinkers and practitioners in the disability and asset building community to launch the National Disability Institute. Unified by common values and a vision to build together a better economic future for individuals with disabilities and their families, NDI was incorporated and approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Today, NDI continues to be the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to designing pathways to economic stability and mobility for people with disabilities. NDI is most recognized for harnessing the power of collaboration with government, financial institutions, the business community, community nonprofits, and institutions of higher education to advance new opportunities for work, income production, savings, and asset building for people with disabilities.
National Disability Institute believes in the importance of providing resources, tools and trainings to expand individual and service professionals’ knowledge on strategies that help build the financial wellness of persons with disabilities. To assist with expanding knowledge and awareness, NDI offers an online classroom with courses that are available to all at no cost.
YouTube Webinars, live captioning transcripts and downloadable slides are available.
University of Arkansas Currents
UA CURRENTS is the University of Arkansas Center for the Utilization of Rehabilitation Resources for Education, Networking, Training and Service. The acronym – CURRENTS - is a word that evokes movement and power; the momentum that transports us toward our potential. Through the solutions developed with organizations and individuals, we support an empowered and inclusive world.
UA Currents provide technical assistance and systematic professional learning experiences to strengthen knowledge, skills, and abilities; introduce new perspectives; and build connection between participants. Designed for professionals in vocational rehabilitation, independent living, disability services and related fields, these learning experiences include skill-building
processes and activities to help participants master specific learning objectives. Downloadable Resources include conference and training materials.
The mission of PolicyWorks is to develop and apply innovative practices to make policy work for people with disabilities. PolicyWorks seeks to foster a national dialog and build collaborative partnerships that maximize public, nonprofit and business sector resources. PolicyWorks believes in innovation through the use of technology, and the introduction of new tools and emerging best practices. This includes connecting individuals with disabilities to jobs, services and supports to help them live independently. It also includes connecting to other organizations to strengthen our collective impact, identify joint resources and use existing resources more efficiently.
The Youth Transitions Collaborative School -to-Work Transition Toolkit is available. This toolkit leads the young adult with a disability along the pathway to success and provides the information needed to make informed decisions, one step at a time. Whether just starting to look, already searching, or settling into a new job - this toolkit provides the resources to successfully navigate an individualized Career Path.
Free of charge, always local, always ultra-current salary information, jobs, trends and more.
The Career Index is a new breed of career information system. Takes the guess work out of informed career choice, this site puts everything needed in one place and makes it simple to use and access. Information includes: current salary information, job trends and projects, current job openings, license requirements and certifications, knowledge, skills and abilities using O*Net 15, related training programs as well as career videos.
The Career Index has been designed with a VR counselor's workflow in mind. It’s Free to the State, to their counselors, their providers and even their clients. There is no license to buy, no updates or maintenance to pay for, no technical infrastructure to create and no hidden costs. - info@theCareerindex.com.
NTACT (National Technical Assistance Center on Transition)
NTACT is a Technical Assistance and Dissemination project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). NTACT’s purpose is to assist State Education Agencies, Local Education Agencies, State VR agencies, and VR service providers in implementing evidence-based and promising practices ensuring students with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities, graduate prepared for success in postsecondary education and employment.
NTACT will work with SEAs, LEAs, State VR, local VR service providers, and other stakeholders engaged in improving outcomes for youth with disabilities by disseminating resources and tools regarding effective practices and the use of data for program improvement through strategic planning. NTACT is funded from January 1, 2015 until December 31, 2019. Recent & Archived Webinars are available.
WestEd NCSI (National Center for Systemic Improvement)
WestEd’s National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) helps states transform their systems to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. NCSI provides states with technical assistance to support their school districts and local early intervention service programs in improving education results and functional outcomes for children with disabilities. Launched in October 2014, this multiyear cooperative agreement is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and plays a major role in helping states achieve a national vision of Results-Driven Accountability for special education and early intervention programs.
WestEd webinars allow participants to engage in real time with our expert presenters and one another on key issues, challenges, and solutions related to education and human development.
Revisit our Webinars section often to keep informed of our upcoming webinars, and recent and popular archived webinars. You can also search and filter our full list of archived webinars.
PROMISE Technical Assistance Center
The Promise TA Center is operated through the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). The Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) program is an interagency collaboration of the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Social Security Administration. Under this grant program, state agencies have partnered to develop and implement six model demonstration projects (MDPs) that provide coordinated services and supports to youth with disabilities receiving supplemental security income (SSI) benefits and to their families in order to improve the education and career outcomes, Six model demonstration projects have been established serving a total of eleven states.
The AUCD PROMISE TA Center conducts webinars on a bi-monthly basis. Webinars on recruitment, service provision, family engagement, transportation, and other timely topics are archived here for reference and for new staff to access. View these webinars at any time at your convenience.
Job-Driven Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (JDVRTAC)
The JD-VRTAC is a national center housed at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston, strives to identify, adapt, embed, and sustain job-driven practices ... for people with disabilities.
Explore VR is part of the Vocational Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (VR-RRTC) at the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston. Explore VR is a web application providing state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies easy and convenient access to a range of VR and related data for planning, evaluation, and decision-making. Overall, this data-sharing effort seeks to increase knowledge about the public VR program and its role within the larger employment and disability service system within and across states and territories.
Explore VR features a number of free upcoming and archived webinars related to vocational rehabilitation (VR). Webinars allow participants and presenters to interact in real time, allowing for two-way interaction. Webinar participation is completely online and allows organizations and individuals to communicate and share resources, despite barriers of geographic location.
Explore VR Tool Kits are also available for download and include: Business Engagement, Customized Training, Employer Support and Labor Market Information.
Other National Web-based Resources
Additional, federal and non-federal government websites to access employment and disability related resources.
Office of Disability Employment Policy
ODEP's mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was authorized by Congress in the Department of Labor's FY 2001 appropriation. Recognizing the need for a national policy to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into the 21st Century workforce, the Secretary of Labor delegated authority and assigned responsibility to the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy. ODEP is a sub-cabinet level policy agency in the Department of Labor.
The Newsroom brings you current and archived news releases pertinent to disability related workforce development and employment in the US. An additional FAQ Section includes responses to questions that are most often received.
NCWD (National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth)
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve all youth, including youth with disabilities and other disconnected youth. The NCWD/Youth, created in 2001, is composed of partners with expertise in education, youth development, disability, employment, workforce development and family issues. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the NCWD/Youth is housed at the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C. NCWD/Youth offers a range of technical assistance services to state and local workforce investment boards, youth councils and other workforce development system youth programs.
NCWD/Youth is your source for information about employment and youth with disabilities. Our partners, experts in disability, education, employment, and workforce development, strive to ensure you will be provided with the highest quality, most relevant information available. NCWD/Youth is proud to provide webinars that are accessible to people with and without disabilities on a variety of topics.
Federal Partners in Transition
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) administers programs that assist in educating children and youth with disabilities and provides funding for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for youth and adults with disabilities.
The Federal Partners in Transition (FPT), a workgroup with representatives of several federal agencies, including the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor, and the Social Security Administration, was formed in 2005 to support all youth, including youth with disabilities, in successfully transitioning from school to adulthood. To realize this work, FPT developed The 2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan: A Federal Interagency Strategy, which outlines how the partner agencies will enhance interagency coordination through the identification of a shared vision, compatible outcome goals, and policy priorities, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for youth with disabilities by 2020. Additional work-based learning and transition facts sheets are available.
National Youth Transitions Center
The Youth Transitions Collaborative is a powerful community of more than 45 organizations that share a common mission: to empower youth and young people with disabilities as they enter adulthood and the world of work. Collaborative members also provide critical input to help shape and direct the National Youth Transition Center's planning and programming.
The Heath Resource Center is a web-based clearinghouse that serves as an information exchange of educational resources, support services and opportunities. Since 2000, the HEATH Resource Center has served as a national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities, managed by The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Since 2000, the Transition Coalition, located at the University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, has been maximizing professional development opportunities for secondary transition and college and career readiness of youth with disabilities.
The Transition Coalition provides FREE research-based online training for anyone who is involved in transition planning. Our modules are developed using up-to-date research in transition, effective practices in professional development, and materials and resources for implementation.
TransCen, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Our work is driven by the belief that there is
a job for everyone who wants one, regardless of the nature of their disability, or other barriers to employment, their need for workplace support and accommodation, or economic circumstance. Our associates develop, implement, and research innovative practices regarding school-to-adult life transition, career and workforce development, and inclusive community participation.
Publications, articles, e-learning opportunities and resources are available for download. TransCen is actively researching related issues through the Center on Transition to Employment for Youth with Disabilities, which it operates with its partner Virginia Commonwealth University.
ePolicyWorks is a Web-based approach to policymaking that engages citizens and stakeholders in new and innovative ways. The initiative leverages the latest technology to address barriers to employment for people with disabilities and fosters real-time collaboration and communication around key issues.
Participants in the ePolicyWorks initiative benefit from a variety of tools and features to help them stay informed, build relationships and partner on important policy developments. This includes the initiative’s flagship tool – a series of online collaborative workspaces where stakeholders can learn and contribute to the conversation about the intersection between employment, disability and specific policy areas. The featured workspaces below focus on the following disability-related employment supports: Health Care, Technology and Transportation. In addition, the Incubator workspace allows national policymakers to share information, engage in collaborative efforts and shape effective agendas.
A key feature of these workspaces are eWorkgroups – private online workspaces where subsets of members can collaborate on ad hoc projects and more specific issue areas. Below, you can learn more about some current eWorkgroups facilitated by ePolicyWorks partners.
The ADA National Network consists of 10 regional centers and an ADA Knowledge Translation Center. The regional centers are distributed throughout the United States to provide local assistance and foster implementation of the ADA. Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels. To learn more about the ADA law and implementation, you can search for comprehensive ADA information, services, products, training and guidelines on the National Network website, or visit your Regional ADA National Network Center Website.
Free webinars are held that cover various topics concerning accessibility to the built environment, communication technologies, and transportation. Transcripts, audio recordings and materials from previous sessions are available. Continuing education credit is available for most sessions.
Workforce GPS Navigate to Success
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), WorkforceGPS is an interactive online communication and learning technical assistance (TA) platform that was designed to communicate with and build the capacity of the public workforce investment system to develop and implement innovative approaches to workforce and economic development in the 21st Century economy. This website, which offers resources and peer-to-peer connection, supplements other TA provided by ETA's national and regional staff to help the public workforce system, education professionals, and business.
On WorkforceGPS you will find:
- A committed community of public workforce system stakeholders;
- TA resources, online learning opportunities, and space to connect and collaborate with peers on topics that interest you;
- A tool for all your TA tools as you search, save, share, and navigate to success today!
Online training lets you access self-paced training modules designed to give you the knowledge to better serve customers and improve program performance. You can find more than 25 online training modules from ETA.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs.
AUCD's mission is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting research in education, health, and service activities,
Newsletters, brochures and publications are available for download. Stories from the network highlighting individual’s accomplishments are found in their Case Studies Library. Links to related resources including archived webinars are also available.
The following is a partial list of membership organizations.
AIDD: Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
AIDD is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are able to fully participate in and contribute to all aspects of community life in the United States and its territories.
UCEDDs: University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
There is 1 or more in every US state.
- Provide interdisciplinary pre-service preparation
- Perform community services and training
- Conduct research, evaluations, and information dissemination
HCBS Advocacy: Home and Community Based Services 
Information for advocates about the new home and community based services rules
his website is intended to be useful for those communities that advocate for and benefit from the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services, including older adults and people with a range of disabilities. The website was created by the three national Developmental Disabilities Network partners that represent the entities authorized in the Developmental Disabilities Act. (AUCDD, NACDD & NDRN)
NACDD: National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities 
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is a national membership organization representing the 56 State and Territorial Councils on Developmental Disabilities. NACDD is a 501(c) 3 organization with the purpose of promoting and enhancing the outcomes of our member councils in developing and sustaining inclusive communities and self-directed services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
NDRN: National Disability Rights Network 
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP). Collectively, the P&A/CAP network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
IDDRC: Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Centers
Established in 1963 by Congress as "centers of excellence" for research in mental retardation and developmental disabilities, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRCs) [formerly known as Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (MRDDRCs)] represent the nation's first and foremost sustained effort to prevent and treat disabilities through biomedical and behavioral research. IDDRCs also contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based practices by evaluating the effectiveness of biological, biochemical, and behavioral interventions; developing assistive technologies; and advancing prenatal diagnosis and newborn screening.
The network of IDDRCs with AUCD membership consists of 15 Centers with current P30 core grant funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Eight IDDRCs are co-located in universities with UCEDDs or LENDs. IDDRCs contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based practices by evaluating the effectiveness of biological, biochemical, and behavioral interventions; developing assistive technologies; and advancing prenatal diagnosis and newborn screening.
K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan, Institute on Employment and Disability
The Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability advances knowledge, policies and practice to enhance equal opportunities for all people with disabilities. The Yang-Tan Institute advances equal opportunity for people with disabilities in partnership with federal and state government and philanthropic organizations.
ediOnline is the Yang-Tan Institute’s innovative tool that provides high quality learning experiences via the web to managers, practitioners, advocates, and policy makers in the disability field. The course offerings bridge the gap between policy and practice by providing people with practical applications, hands-on learning, leading-edge skills, and knowledge that can immediately be applied in the workplace. Course instructors are some of the country's premiere experts in providing employment supports and advocacy services.
An added benefit of earning an ediOnline certificate is that it can be applied toward Rehabilitation Counselor re-certifications with CRCC. ediOnline courses are offered through web seminars, which provide an online interactive format coupled with audio-conferencing. Special features include lectures, question and answer sessions, chat using instant messaging technology and polling, as well as print and electronic course materials. All courses are archived and available to registered participants for a period of one year following the event. The courses are available for a fee-for-service cost.
Institute of Community Inclusion ICI University of Boston
The Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the community. ICI, now based at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Children's Hospital Boston, helps change that reality with a wide range of initiatives including: training, research, consultation, community outreach, and clinical and employment services.
Real People, Real Jobs…Stories from the front line
Real People, Real Jobs is supported by Access to Integrated Employment, a project of the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston, and funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This site highlights the employment successes of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who are working in paid jobs in their communities. Through the use of innovative, front-line employment support practices, these individuals are earning money, forming networks, and contributing to their communities. Learn more about these people and the promising practices that led to their success.
ThinkWork is housed at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. For over 40 years, ICI has worked to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without disabilities to participate in everyday activities and in all aspects of the community. ThinkWork is the hub for ICI’s projects that promote integrated employment for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Got 44 minute webinars cover a range of relevant topics. Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Advancing Employment for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
"Worksupport" is a web portal that highlights projects on many topics related to the employment of individuals with disabilities. Information, resources and research about work and disability issues are provided. This Virginia Commonwealth University website provides resources for professionals, employers, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives. Upcoming and archived webcasts are available including: transcripts, power points and additional resources. The VCU YouTube channel makes the videos easy to access.
VCU is also a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance National Training Center, this site includes information specific to benefits planning and management.
The Career One Stop Center is a partner to the America’s Job Center Network. This site provides opportunities to explore careers, find training and look for jobs. A skill profiler is available to create a list of personal skills that can be matches to job types that use those skills.
The Career OneStop Videos show the types of work people do in nearly 550 careers, organized into 16 career clusters recognized by the US Department of Education. Most videos are also available in Spanish.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH provides national leadership to prevent workplace illnesses and injuries. NIOSH videos can be downloaded or viewed on-line.
Youth@Work: Talking Safety, a foundation curriculum in occupational safety and health. This curriculum is the culmination of many years’ work by a consortium of partners dedicated to reducing occupational injuries and illnesses among youth. This curriculum is meant to be used in a classroom or other group training setting, and has been customized for each state, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands to address their specific child labor rules and regulations. The entire booklet includes instructions for teachers and a step-by-step guide for presenting the material.
Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology
This web portal has a wealth of resources and features, including videos featuring employers and technology experts sharing their perspectives and encouraging stakeholders to "join the conversation" on accessible technology in the workplace.
PEAT Talks is a virtual speaker series held on the third Thursday of every month at 2 pm (ET). Highlighting organizations and individuals whose work is advancing accessible technology in the workplace, PEAT Talks feature speakers who give a short 15-minute presentation and then take questions from participants.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.
JAN’s offers one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Those who can benefit from JAN’s services include private employers of all sizes, government agencies, employee representatives, and service providers, as well as people with disabilities and their families. The ADA Library includes publications and resources.
JAN E-News is the quarterly newsletter of the Job Accommodation Network. JAN is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. This newsletter will help keep you informed of new work site accommodation tools and techniques, changes at JAN, and other issues important to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities. To subscribe to JAN E-News, just e-mail subscribe@askjan.org.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) was established to create opportunities for youth with disabilities to achieve successful futures. NCSET provides technical assistance and disseminates information. NCSET's technical assistance efforts aim to increase the competencies of state and local agencies, groups, and individuals to cope with change and solve problems directly.
National Youth Employment Coalition
The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is a national membership network that improves the effectiveness of organizations that seek to help youth become productive citizens. Toward this end, NYEC sets and promotes quality standards; tracks, crafts and influences policy; provides and supports professional development; and builds the capacity of organizations and programs. The information center includes: employment & training, career exploration, workforce development resources for agencies, youth and families
Partnerships in Employment (PIE)
Partnerships in Employment is a national transition systems change project whose purpose is to identify, develop, and promote policies and practices to improve transition, post-secondary and competitive employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eight states, Alaska, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Tennessee and Wisconsin are involved in the Partnerships initiative. They are intricately involved with their state education, vocational rehabilitation and developmental disabilities agencies, individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, educators, and service providers to affect changes within and across state systems. The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) are partners in operating the Technical Assistance Center for the Partnerships Project. Audiovisual recordings of meetings and webinars are available.
Downloadable publications and fact sheets are available specific to employment of youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Think College has been funded by the Office of Postsecondary Education, US Department of Education to continue to provide support, coordination, training and evaluation services for Transition and Postsecondary Education Program (TPSID) grantees as well as other programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) nationwide. Think College is honored to continue the work it began in 2010 when it was first funded as the National Coordinating Center, supporting the growth and enhancement of postsecondary options for students with intellectual disabilities across the United States.
Free and low cost resources are available. Think College sponsors webinars on a variety of topics related to post-secondary education for students with IDD. Many archived webinars also include related downloadable resources.
Pacer’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
Founded in 2014, PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment builds on PACER’s decades of experience providing high quality assistance and support to parents, youth, and professionals on transition topics. This innovative new project will keep the needs of families at the forefront and help youth with disabilities find success in postsecondary education, employment, and life in the community.
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment will publish a new e-newsletter beginning next month featuring important national news and resources on transition planning, employment, postsecondary education for youth and young adults with disabilities, and other related topics.
Additional Transition/Employment Related Initiative Websites
Disability Employment Initiative (DEI)
The DEI is a collaborative effort between the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The DEI comprises three primary components: cooperative agreements, technical assistance to the grantees and the public workforce system, and evaluation of the grantees’ activities to measure their outcomes and impact on both the individuals and the system. The goal of the DEI is to improve the education, training, and employment opportunities and outcomes of youth and adults with disabilities (including individuals with significant disabilities) who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. DEI cooperative agreements are awarded to state WIOA administering entities to:
- Improve coordination and collaboration among employment and training and asset development programs carries out at a state and local level, including Ticket to Work.
- Build effective community partnerships that leverage public and private resources to better serve individuals with disabilities and improve employment outcomes.
The LEAD Center is a collaborative of disability, workforce and economic empowerment organizations dedicated to improving employment and economic advancement outcomes for all people with disabilities. The LEAD Center is funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor.
Funded by ODEP, this new microsite provides a unique comprehensive resource for policy-makers, researchers, and external stakeholders to learn about national trends and activities in Employment First. "Lead On" is the quarterly newsletter. It includes, The LEAD Center’s Policy Update – Employment, Health Care and Disability providing policymakers, disability service professionals, individuals with disabilities and their families with information about relevant policy developments regarding Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and related topics, with a focus on improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.