High school graduation is an exciting milestone which might also bring up feelings of uncertainty about what comes next. For young adults with disabilities, the transition to life after high school can require additional planning with their family or support network. The great news is that there are more paths to disability employment and meaningful opportunities than many people realize. Finding the right opportunity starts with understanding a person’s strengths, goals, and interests.
At Boone Center, Inc. (BCI), we believe every person deserves the opportunity to experience the pride, purpose, and social connection that meaningful work can provide. Our employment continuum is designed to meet people where they are and help them move toward the right employment future for them. As graduation is approaching, families and support professionals can help prepare a young adult with disabilities for life after high school by taking small steps to build a roadmap for what’s next.
STEP 1. START HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE
One of the most important things families can do to help someone prepare for a big change is to start talking about it ahead of time. Start with “big picture” conversations about what your student wants to do after graduation, and explore what services or programs might be available. Whether they are interested in organizational employment, vocational training, independent or community living, it is important to consider their preferences and interests. Families can begin thinking about:
- What activities does my loved one enjoy?
- What tasks do they perform well?
- What skills or tasks do they need help with?
- Do they enjoy group social settings or prefer being on their own?
- What type of environment helps them stay focused and comfortable?
These answers can help create a picture of what meaningful employment might look like, if it is the desired next step after graduation. Early employment experiences also help individuals discover their interests, build confidence, learn workplace expectations, and identify what they may want to pursue next.
STEP 2. FIND EVERYDAY OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD LIFE SKILLS
Families can help young adults develop workplace readiness through everyday responsibilities and real-world experiences. Household chores, volunteer opportunities, school-based work experiences, internships, and part-time jobs can all provide opportunities to practice skills employers value.
Consider working on:
- Keeping a daily routine
- Following multi-step directions
- Completing tasks independently
- Knowing when to ask for help
- Communicating with teachers and paraprofessionals
- Handling changes in routine
- Taking responsibility for mistakes
These skills can be practiced gradually. The goal is not perfection, but to provide a foundation for young adults to continue building once they enter the workforce.
STEP 3. LOOK INTO BENEFITS, FUNDING, AND TRANSPORTATION
Starting a job can raise questions about benefits, income, and how employment may affect existing financial support. Families should consider talking with a qualified benefits counselor. Understanding how earned income could affect benefits can help individuals and families make informed decisions.
BCI offers benefits planning consultations to show how young adults with disabilities have options to pursue their career goals without losing important benefits. This is an area where we know individualized guidance is particularly helpful — because every person’s circumstances are different.
Explore funding streams that could support services for your family member. You may qualify for funding from agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Medicaid, a county developmental disability board, or other funding sources. Our team can help connect you. This support can make a big difference in an individual’s future. Applying for Employment Services can also be completed sooner once funding is in place.
Transportation is another important part of planning for disability employment opportunities after high school: whether it is provided by a family member, public transportation, a specialized transportation service, or another community resource.
STEP 4. FOCUS ON THE PERSON, NOT THEIR DISABILITY
Perhaps the most important part of planning for life after high school is keeping your student at the center of the conversation. It can be easy for families and paraprofessionals to focus on their limitations. Use these questions to shift the focus back to their strengths:
- What are they interested in?
- What makes them feel proud?
- What type of work keeps them engaged?
- What environment helps them thrive?
Disability employment is a process of discovery. Our approach at BCI is built around the idea that every individual has unique abilities, goals, and potential. Some people may begin with Organizational Employment. Others may pursue Competitive Employment or vocational training. A person’s path can also change over time as their skills, confidence, and interests develop.
STEP 5. BUILD A ROADMAP FOR THE PATH AHEAD
After having a student enrolled in school for years, many families feel the need to build a long-term plan. Try instead to focus on identifying the next meaningful step. This approach can make a big transition feel more manageable. The right next step for your circumstances might be:
- Exploring your student’s career interests.
- Connecting them with a Vocational Training program.
- Visiting potential disability employment programs and workplaces.
- Identifying transportation options.
- Learning about benefits and financial considerations.
- Applying for inclusive employment opportunities.
- Reassessing the plan as you go.
There is no universal timeline or definition of success, and progress is not always linear. What matters is finding a path that recognizes a person’s abilities, respects their choices, provides the needed support, and creates opportunities to grow.
MEANINGFUL WORK OPPORTUNITIES AT BOONE CENTER
The transition to life after high school is not an endpoint: It is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. At Boone Center, we believe employment should be more than simply having somewhere to go during the day. Work can provide purpose, confidence, friendships, independence, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution.
If your loved one is approaching high school graduation and you are beginning to explore employment for adults with disabilities, start the conversation now. Look into different possibilities, ask questions, visit workplaces, and give your loved one a voice in determining what comes next.
Ready to explore employment opportunities for your loved one? Boone Center offers a continuum of employment programs designed to meet individuals where they are and support their growth toward meaningful work. Learn more about Boone Center’s Organizational Employment program and see the job opportunities available at BCI.