Bridging the independence gap for youths with differing abilities

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are the only federal income support targeted for youth with disabilities – and it’s on the chopping block in the...

January 25, 2018 11:30 am

This content is sponsored by Melwood

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are the only federal income support targeted for youth with disabilities – and it’s on the chopping block in the current administration. The SSI is a benefit that helps ensure monthly expenses are covered. Advocates are reporting a crisis for the disabled because housing costs across the U.S. far exceed SSI benefits in every state. Still, the benefits cover some costs, helping youth with differing abilities maintain their independence. Without SSI, the gap between dependence and independence widens even further for some of our most vulnerable young citizens.

The gap between high school and living independently is one that a lot of youth fall through. Many differently-abled youth without a strong family support system lack the ability to discover job training and find and keep living-wage jobs, or navigate the complexities of applying for support services.

While federal law requires that special education students must have transition plans in place by age 16 that include work, school, and independent living goals as part of their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), there isn’t a mechanism in place to ensure the plan is followed after graduation. It is up to nonprofit organizations like Melwood to bridge the gap for youths transitioning to independence. For more than 50 years, Melwood has provided job training and opportunities for people with differing abilities of all ages in the greater Washington, DC area.

“With our programs for transitioning young adults, we strive to empower them,” said Cari DeSantis, President & CEO of Melwood. “Programs focus on the positive strengths and abilities of individuals that lead to their ability to becoming gainfully employed.”

Melwood offers services that provide employment advocacy and individualized support:

Professional Development Training is a 12-week course that focuses on research-based instruction to engage participants in employability training and hands-on learning. The training gives individuals community-based experiences in careers that match their interests and helps each person complete an electronic portfolio and résumé documenting those experiences.

Pathways is a three-year program designed to assist individuals transitioning from high school onto the adult life path of their choosing. Participants prepare for employment at their own pace, engaging in community-based career opportunities, self-direction and advocacy and learning soft and hard skills.

Melwood works with state services to provide one-on-one job development coordinators and customized on-the-job coaching for program participants. These supports have proven to be vital components for achieving permanent employment for youth with differing abilities. Melwood also contracts with federal, state and local governments as well as private businesses to provide employment for workforce development program graduates.

The path to economic independence isn’t easy for young people with differing abilities – but it becomes easier when there are people who will help. You can be part of the support system helping youth transition to productive, contributing members of society by donating to Melwood Workforce Guidance and Community Employment programs. Local business owners interested in learning about employer incentives for hiring people with differing abilities can contact Chantay P. Moye, Director of Marketing & Communications at communications@melwood.org or 301.599.8000.