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Individuals & Families

FAMILIES, INCLUDING PARENTS, SIBLINGS, GUARDIANS, AND CAREGIVERS, ARE AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT FOR THE SUCCESS OF EMPLOYMENT FIRST

Resources in this section provide information about how you can support your loved one to seek or maintain competitive community employment, resources and support for you and your family member, and more!

Screenshot from Self-Advocacy Online homepage

Self-Advocacy Online

Resource Description
The Self-Advocacy Online website helps people with disabilities learn about self-advocacy. On the website, you can View short video interviews with self-advocates from around the country, Explore lessons on self-advocacy, Read easy-to-understand presentations about research in self-advocacy. The Center's YouTube channel also has videos about Employment First, remaining active, and making friends
Multicolored tree made of handprints. Text reads Diverse Ability Incorporated

Diverse Ability Incorporated

Resource Description
Diverse Ability Incorporated offers a variety of workshops for youth who have disabilities across the state throughout the year. We also host Arizona Youth Leadership Forum every summer in several Arizona cities. Youth who have disabilities are the leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated. They create, teach, and guide our services. Visit their website diverseabilityincorporated.org for more
Dark haired woman holding book and pointing to picture communication board

Assistive Technology Internet Modules

Resource Description
Th is series of 50 modules provides high-quality information and professional development on assistive technology (AT) for educators, professionals, families, persons with disabilities, and others. Modules are free to access, and can credit or certificates can be obtained for a fee. Modules include “A Family-Centered Approach to Assistive Technology in Early Childhood,” “Funding Assistive
Stylized blue green and yellow letters reading AzTAP

Arizona Technology Access Program

Resource Description
The Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) helps people learn about assistive technology. They offer many programs, including: Assistive technology demonstrations Lending out technologies for short-term use Helping you select and obtain the technology that you need An online equipment re-use program Financial loans to help you buy assistive technology Training, education, and technical
NTACT logo Multicolored cubes stacked into a pyramid

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

Resource Description
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition supports state and local education agencies, and vocational rehabilitation providers to ensure students with disabilities graduate from high school prepared to succeed in employment and postsecondary education. They provide resources, trainings, and toolkits promote best practices and evidence-based strategies for successful transition.
Blue stacked text reading National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability NCWD for Youth

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth

Resource Description
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) provides support, resources, and information for state and local agencies, organizations, and professionals working to help youth transition into the workforce. Their website has many resources for professionals, agencies, and families to support youth into integrated employment.
DES Logo with silhouettes of people holding hands above text reading DES Your Partner for a Stronger Arizona

Do You Want to Work?

Resource Description
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) can help you find and keep a job. This brochure explains what services DDD can provide for you, who can help you, and how to get started. Some of the things DDD can help with are: Person-centered career planning Identifying your strengths Building your skills Information about vocational rehabilitation (VR).
Blue stacked text reading National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability NCWD for Youth

Understanding the New Vision for Career Development: The Role of Family

Resource Description
"This Info Brief introduces families, including families of youth with disabilities, to a new way of looking at career development for youth. This brief discusses the three phases of career development, highlights Individualized Learning Plans as a tool for facilitating the career development process, and offers strategies on how families can be involved." (National Collaborative on Workforce and
Blue stacked text reading National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability NCWD for Youth

Helping Youth Build Work Skills for Job Success: Tips for Parents and Families

Resource Description
"This InfoBrief addresses the need for youth to acquire work skills and offers strategies parents and families can use to work with their youth to develop skills that lead to success on the job. This InfoBrief also includes information on how to incorporate work skill development into school documents, such as the Individualized Education Program and the Summary of Performance." ( National
Blue stacked text reading National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability NCWD for Youth

Helping Youth Develop Soft Skills for Job Success: Tips for Parents and Families

Resource Description
"This InfoBrief discusses the importance of soft skills and offers strategies parents can use to help their child develop skills for employment services." Soft skills include communication, decision-making, and interpersonal skills. (National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, 2011).