Youth transition programme

The Youth Transition Program (YTP) is a collaborative school-to-work transition programme that serves young adults with disabilities statewide in Oregon, USA. The purpose of YTP is to prepare young adults for employment or career-related post-secondary education. YTP is jointly funded by local schools and Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation.

The preparation of young people with disabilities for employment or career-related post-secondary education. The Youth Transition Program (YTP) is a collaborative school-to-work transition programme that serves young adults with disabilities statewide in Oregon, USA. The purpose of YTP is to prepare young adults with disabilities for employment or career-related post-secondary education. This programme was created to address the challenge of low employment rates and lack of career opportunities for young adults with disabilities leaving high school. YTP is jointly funded by local schools and Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation. YTP provides direct services and builds capacity for improving transition outcomes for young adults with disabilities. In each Youth Transition Program (YTP) site, services are provided by a collaborative team including the Transition Specialist, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, the young adult, and his or her family. All students in the YTP receive a comprehensive pattern of services including: - individualised planning, focused on post-school goals - instruction in academic, vocational, independent living and personal social skills and help to stay in and complete high school - career development services including goal setting, career exploration, job search skills, and building self-advocacy - paid employment including connections with local employers, on-the-job assessments, placement and training - support services such as individualised mentoring and support or referrals for additional specific services - follow-up support for one year after leaving the programme

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Since 1990, YTP has provided direct services and Vocational Rehabilitation access for over 22,000 students with disabilities. The young people served are primarily high school students (aged 16-21) with documented disabilities including learning disabilities, autism, other health impairments and emotional disabilities. Currently, the YTP operates in over 100 Oregon high schools serving 1,300 young people. Over 80% of those who exit the programme are engaged in either competitive employment or post-school training at exit, and six and 12 months after programme completion.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Originally established in Oregon, USA, the programme has been replicated in both Arizona and Alabama.