Transition Tidbits

"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that its Office of Disability Employment Policy has chosen “Celebrating Value and Talent” as the theme for the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which will be observed in October.

NDEAM annually honors the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcases supportive workplace policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike. As part of the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s observance will highlight the achievements of Americans with disabilities both past and present.

'Celebrating America means celebrating the value and talent that all Americans – including people with disabilities – add to our nation’s workplaces and communities,' said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. 'As we approach the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Department of Labor remains committed to ensuring all people have the opportunity to find meaningful work.'

In 1945, the nation first designated a national week to recognize the contribution of people with physical disabilities. Designated by Congress as NDEAM in 1988, the commemoration evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the number of people with disabilities in the workforce. In 2001, ODEP was created and was given responsibility for NDEAM and for selecting and helping promote its annual theme."

For more information about NDEAM, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam. The annual NDEAM poster is available below.

Agency: Office of Disability Employment Policy

Date: June 26, 2025

Release Number: 25-995-NAT

Media Contact: Christine Feroli

Phone Number: 202-693-4664

Email: feroli.christine.e@dol.gov

It’s not over in October.

NDEAM is a launching pad — not an endpoint. Here are ways to carry the spirit of NDEAM year-round:

1. Use NDEAM to Kick Off an Ongoing Awareness Initiative
   Leverage the theme to frame continual events, from multi-day celebrations to “brown-bag” conversations. Use planning resources available from DOL.

2. Sponsor a “Lunch and Learn” Series
   Invite internal or external presenters on topics like “Communicating with Job Seekers with Disabilities,” “Creating Accessible PDFs,” or “Managing Diabetes at Work.”

3. Provide Volunteer Opportunities
   Encourage employees to support local organizations that prepare people with disabilities for work (e.g. resume reviews, mock interviews).

4. Display Posters Promoting Disability Employment
   Update displays with the NDEAM poster and disability awareness themes throughout the year.

5. Offer American Sign Language (ASL) Training
   Consider hosting ASL classes to foster stronger communications and inclusion.

6. Include Students with Disabilities in Recruiting Trips
   Coordinate with career services and disability services offices to ensure interviewing opportunities.

7. Host a “Disability Employment 101” Event
   Use free training modules (e.g. from JAN) to educate hiring managers and staff.

8. Embed Disability in Onboarding
   Include disability inclusion policies and practices in your onboarding process to help new employees feel welcome and informed.

These steps reinforce that disability inclusion is integral to an organization’s culture — not just a one-month effort.

(Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy)

The Daily Life & Employment domain of Charting the LifeCourse(TM) offers several tools designed to help individuals, families, and support professionals plan for meaningful work and long-term career goals. Central tools include the Employment Trajectories for exploring and planning employment, the Integrated Supports Star, the Employment Guide, and the Employment Portfolio.

Together, these resources provide a structured, person-centered approach to identifying interests, strengths, supports, and opportunities for employment.

• Employment Trajectories: These one-page visual tools guide individuals through exploring past experiences, current skills, and future employment goals. The Exploring Employment Trajectory helps users reflect on interests and experiences, while the Planning Employment Trajectory maps steps and strategies for achieving meaningful work.

• Integrated Supports Star: This tool helps individuals and teams identify supports across multiple domains—including technology, community resources, family, and professional services—that can assist in reaching employment goals and sustaining success in the workplace.

• Employment Guide: Designed for youth in transition and their families, the Employment Guide prompts reflection and action across stages such as Discovering Who (self-awareness), Discovering What (career exploration), and Discovering How (identifying supports and accommodations). It serves as a practical roadmap for navigating the journey toward employment.

• Employment Portfolio: This tool organizes and presents information about a person’s work experiences, skills, preferences, and support needs. It helps individuals communicate with employers, educators, and support staff about accommodations and strategies that enable success in the workplace.

Together, these tools encourage intentional planning, strengthen self-awareness, and promote collaboration among individuals, families, and professionals. By using the Employment Trajectories, Integrated Supports Star, Employment Guide, and Employment Portfolio, individuals can move from exploring possibilities to achieving sustainable, meaningful employment that aligns with their vision of a good life. Access the tools discussed here!

LifeCourse Nexus. (n.d.). Daily life and employment. https://www.lifecoursetools.com/lifecourse-library/exploring-the-life-domains/daily-life-and-employment/

As we step into October, we have the opportunity to highlight National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). During NDEAM we celebrate the contributions, talents, and achievements of people with disabilities in the workforce.

This month is a reminder for teachers, paraprofessionals, local education agencies, families, and youth that we are on the frontline of guiding young people in Pennsylvania toward a successful future, and that includes employment opportunities.

It starts with preparation: equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Skills like self-advocacy, self-determination, confidence, career awareness, decision-making, and building strong support networks.

That said, our Youth Engagement Specialists (YES) are inviting young people to join the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN), a community of youth leaders passionate about personal growth, professional development, and making a difference. Led by PaTTAN YES, the PYLN meets monthly to share resources, build connections, and strengthen youth voices across Pennsylvania. We’re looking for new members to bring their energy, ideas, and leadership to the table!

Please share this invitation with your students and youth leaders who may be interested in getting involved. The interest form to be added to the PYLN mailing list is here: PYLN Interest Form, or contact Hayley Penn at hpenn@pattankop.net with any questions.

But NDEAM doesn’t stop at preparation. NDEAM is a movement! The month of October gives us a platform to spotlight the cause, but the work continues every day of the year. Employment is more than just a paycheck. It is independence, purpose, and dignity. For youth with disabilities, access to meaningful employment opens doors to self-sufficiency, confidence, and the chance to fully participate in their communities. By investing in preparation this month, we ensure that the future workforce is stronger because of it.

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is offering individualized healthy relationship and sexuality education for adults 18 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sessions are available in person or via Zoom. A trained sexuality educator will customize the lessons and learning experience to meet each client's needs. Topics covered may include online safety, healthy relationships, personal health, and more. All sessions are free of charge. Email iodhsp@temple.edu to learn more.

Do you know students who make & sell their own products?

We’re highlighting mini-businesses established by students in the #secondarytransition process at the 2026 PDE Conference!

• Applications due Friday, 1/9/26
• Contact the PDE Exhibit Hall team to apply
• pdeconferenceexhibitors@pattankop.net

The Student Shoppe is a great opportunity for #SpecialEducationInPa students to expand their work skills and broaden their understanding of marketing, advertising, and sales.

Apply now and join us in #MakingADifferenceinPA!

http://tinyurl.com/PAEdConf

The Discovery process is a foundational component of Customized Employment, an evidence-based practice that improves employment outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. Discovery enables individuals to find a job that aligns with their strengths, preferences, and needs. Resources include a Self-Guided Discovery Facilitator's Guide and materials for Guided Group Discovery, which provide structured approaches to exploring employment option.

Accessing Discovery & Customized Employment in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) offers Discovery and Customized Employment services to assist individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining meaningful employment.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for OVR services, you must:

• Have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that substantially hinders employment.

• Demonstrate the potential to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services leading to employment.

• Require OVR services to prepare for, enter, or retain gainful employment.

Steps to Access Services:

1. Apply for Services:

   • Visit the PA CareerLink website to download and complete the application forms.

2. Schedule an Appointment:

   • Contact your local OVR office to schedule an intake appointment.

3. Meet with an OVR Counselor:

   • During the appointment, an OVR counselor will assess your eligibility and discuss your employment goals.

4. Develop an Individualized Plan:

   • If eligible, you'll work with the counselor to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), outlining the services and supports you'll receive.

Service Providers:

OVR collaborates with certified providers who specialize in Discovery and Customized Employment services. These providers assist in identifying your strengths, preferences, and support needs to match you with suitable employment opportunities.

Additional Resources:

• InVEST Project: Offers personalized job support and opportunities for career development.
  

• Employment First Initiative: Promotes competitive integrated employment as the first option for individuals with disabilities.

For more information or assistance, visit the OVR Individualized Employment Services page.

Developed by the Center on Transition Innovations, the Career Planning Toolkit is a resource for educators and counselors supporting students with significant disabilities through the career planning process. It includes hands-on activities, assessments, and instructional practices to help students plan for their careers as they prepare for a successful transition to postsecondary education or employment.

Offered by Disability Hub MN, the Work Toolkit introduces steps and tools to help individuals with disabilities consider employment and make a plan for work. It includes professional development on the Engage, Plan, Find, Keep framework, along with hands-on tools and resources to support individuals in their employment journey.

Designed for autistic job seekers and those with employment aspirations, the Employment Tool Kit from Autism Speaks provides tools and tips for planning and preparing for employment. It includes an overview of career options, resume and interview advice, disclosure and accommodation requests, and the legal rights afforded to individuals with disabilities.

Looking for a place where you can Connect, Collect, & Contribute

to all things secondary transition?

Connect with people from across our state to collect

resources, share events and contribute stories about positive post-school outcomes!

Click here to create an account and login to join our PA Secondary Transition- Public Square.

The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain employment. OVR offers a wide range of employment services, including:

• Career counseling and guidance to identify strengths, interests, and goals.

• Job training and skills development to build work readiness.

• Work-based learning experiences and internships for youth with disabilities.

• Job placement and coaching supports to promote success in competitive, integrated employment.

• Assistive technology and workplace accommodations to remove barriers to independence.

OVR also supports Pennsylvania’s business community through its Business Services Division (BSD) which partners with employers to:

• Connect them with a skilled and diverse talent pool of job seekers with disabilities.

• Provide disability awareness and accessibility resources.

• Share information on hiring incentives.

• Build inclusive workforce practices that meet business and community needs.

Together, OVR’s employment services and BSD’s employer partnerships create a strong bridge between job seekers with disabilities and businesses seeking qualified talent—advancing Pennsylvania’s Employment First vision.

Are you looking to learn more information about transition?

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!

The PA ABLE Savings Program (PA ABLE) is hosting four virtual sessions this October as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

This year’s sessions will cover personal finance and employment for individuals with disabilities. The webinars feature experts who will provide information on basic personal finance like checking, savings, and long- and short-term investing.

One session will illustrate how work incentives can help individuals keep their benefits while employed, while another will feature individuals who are working and using PA ABLE accounts to save funds for the future.

Each session will run from 1:00 P.M. to 2:15 P.M., including time for questions. ASL interpreters will be provided.

Find session details and register at paable.gov/webinars!

• Session 1: Financial Tools for Working People with Disabilities: Savings, Checking, and PA ABLE
• 1:00 P.M. - Tuesday, October 7 – Register today

• Session 2: Financial Tools for Working People with Disabilities: Long-term and Short-term Investing

• 1:00 P.M. - Tuesday, October 14 – Register today

• Session 3: Financial Tools for Working People with Disabilities: Work While you Maintain Your Benefits with Work Incentives and the PA ABLE Savings Program

• 1:00 P.M. - Tuesday, October 21 – Register today

• Session 4: Disability Employment and Savings Success Stories

• 1:00 P.M. - Tuesday, October 28 – Register today

Are you looking for transition events across PA?

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to secondary transition!

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a state leadership team consisting of representative from: the State Departments of Education, Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services; Various Serving Agencies, Young Adults, Parent Organizations, Advocates, Higher Education, and Employers.

The shared vision and common goals of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition is achieved when all PA youth and young adults with disabilities:

• Successfully transition to the role of productive and participating adult citizens
• Are empowered to recognize their talents, strengths, and voice
• Have equal access to resources that will promote their full participation in the communities of their choice.

Email: pasecondarytransition@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pasecondarytransition.com/
Phone: 4128266878
Twitter: @hmangiskuntz