1 of 16

Partners for Youth with Disabilities� � CAREER READINESS�PROGRAM

2 of 16

Partners for Youth with Disabilities

PYD's goal is to create a world where young people with disabilities will be able to live with dignity and pride in who they are, and to lead self-determined lives filled with purpose.

To make this happen, we build the skills and abilities of young people with disabilities, and increase the inclusivity of workplaces, organizations, and communities.

3 of 16

Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD)

  • Nonprofit serving Greater Boston Area since 1985

​

  • Over 30 years of experience working to raise the skills and abilities of youth with disabilities and to increase the inclusivity of organizations and communities

​

  • We run a variety of programs: one-to-one, group, and online mentoring; career readiness training; and disability inclusion trainings

​

To learn more about our programs, visit: https://www.pyd.org/programs/

​

4 of 16

Career Readiness Program

  • An inclusive job-readiness program that has existed for over 25 years and impacts the lives of over 150 youth annually.
  • Addresses barriers to employment via a three-tiered curriculum involving academic learning, real-world experiences, and mentoring.
  • The curriculum is based upon the principles of Universal Design for Learning
  • Career readiness curriculum offered in 7+ Boston Public School classrooms, plus offering a community after-school program.

5 of 16

PYD’s Curriculum

Seven Units:​

  • Intro to Career Readiness​
  • Steps to Finding a Job
  • Self Care​
  • Career Soft Skills​
  • Self Advocacy​
  • Financial Literacy​
  • Entrepreneurship​

Materials:

  • 37 Lessons
    • Teacher Guides
    • Student Workbooks
  • Vocabulary List
  • Outreach Guide
  • Media Resource Guide
  • Other supplemental materials

Based on principles of:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

6 of 16

What is Pre-ETS?

  • Pre-Employment Transition Services
  • Serves students 14-22 with a documented disability (IEP, 504, etc)
  • Provide students with the confidence and the skills to be ready for work!
  • Funded by Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, no cost to you!

​

​

“The goal of Pre-ETS is to help students with disabilities explore, increase awareness, and prepare for post-secondary employment and education options through 5 core services”

7 of 16

In Career Readiness, we:

    • Explore students’ strengths and abilities
    • Uncover what type of work students are interested in and what your options are
    • Discover what kind of education or training is needed to reach their job goals
    • Find resources and tips to guide students
    • Gather some ideas for next steps

​

8 of 16

Pre-ETS is broken up into 5 components!

  • Work Readiness Training
  • Job Exploration Counseling
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Work-Based Learning Experience
  • Post-Secondary Education

9 of 16

�During the Work Readiness Training, you will learn:�

  • Professional Introductions
  • How to look for a job
  • How to write a resume
  • Interview skills – maybe even mock interviews!

10 of 16

Job Exploration Counseling

  • Online job counseling to learn more about your interests

​

  • Build career skills like career exploration, cover letters and more!

11 of 16

Work-Based Learning Experiences

  • Meet with local businesses virtually to learn about different careers, job skills and mock interviews!
  • Virtual Job Shadow
  • Internship Opportunities

12 of 16

Self-Advocacy Workshops

  • Learn how to speak up for yourself

​

  • Understand your rights as a worker

​

  • How to ask for support on the job

13 of 16

Post Secondary Education Workshops

  • After High School, what are your options?
  • Explore 2-year and 4-year college degrees,
  • Learn about trade school and the many other paths you can take after high school.

14 of 16

15 of 16

Enrolling in Pre-ETS

Steps for Signing up for After School Program:

  • Talk to your child’s teacher or contact me directly at Rcronin@pyd.org
  • Complete consent form: https://www.pyd.org/forms/consent-form-pre-ets/
  • We will set up a time to have an intake meeting with you & your child
  • During intake meeting,
    • We will tell your child about the program
    • Learn about their interests, career goals, & learning style
    • Discuss best fit components & create a service plan
    • Sign up for events on monthly calendar

* In School Programming takes place in collaboration with BPS Teachers*

16 of 16

Questions? Contact Us!

Rebecca Cronin

  • Email: Rcronin@pyd.org
  • Phone: 617-556-4075 ext 131