WWW.NYMAKESWORKPAY.ORG March 2010 2010 KEY IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES -Identify model transition program (MTP) service models, and provide seed money & TA to targeted NY program sites -Determine proven and sustainable patterns of funding based on MTP and extended site experience -Improve collaboration between disability service offices (DSOs) and career service offices (CSOs) at two- and four-year colleges in NYS -Increase the access of youth with disabilities to post secondary career training including private, trade, community college and four-year college programs -Increase post-secondary graduation and workforce entry of students with disabilities PARTNERS MISCC EC – Most Integrated Settings Coordinating Council Employment Committee VESID – Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities OMRDD – Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities OMH – Office of Mental Health OASAS – Office on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services VA – Division of Veterans Affairs CBVH – Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped DOL – Department of Labor COSD – Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities ABSTRACT: School to Work Transition ISSUE Improving transitions to employment for youth and young adults with disabilities. GOAL #7 Improve knowledge, capacity and collaborations among high schools, post-secondary training and education and career services to increase competitive employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. RATIONALE In New York State, thousands of young people with disabilities leave high school without an opportunity for employment or further education. Those who do go on to higher education, complete two or four year degrees and enter the workforce at much lower rates than the general New York population. Transition programs and services in the secondary education system, through VESID and other state agencies, and into and through higher education lack coordination and communication mechanisms to collectively support and improve labor market participation of New Yorkers with disabilities. This goal includes examining funding strategies across state agencies, local education agencies and federal sources that support successful transitions for young people with disabilities. It will expand model transition programs at 20 sites, and build a Community of Practice (COP) among disability service offices and career service offices at 10 community colleges and universities throughout NYS. We will provide training and TA to break down historical barriers between these offices, improve their collaboration and coordination, and improve employment outcomes for students with disabilities. STATUS The project has examined and compared model transition programs with NTLS-2 data. We have created a COP including the disability service (DSOs) and career service offices (CSOs) of Syracuse and Cornell Universities, Onondaga Community College, and seven other public, private, and community colleges. For more information call the toll free Technical Assistance number: 1-888-224-3272 VOICE, 1-877-671-6844 TDD or visit http://www.NYMakesWorkPay.org.