Title: Finding a Job – A Guide for Young People with Special Needs and Their Families

Word Count: about 1000 words

Abstract:

For a young person with special needs, finding their first job can be a daunting prospect. This step-by-step guide for young people and their families will help make it easier and even enjoyable and, ultimately, help them to find the work opportunity that’s right for them.

Excerpt:

Looking for a job is an exciting prospect, yet it can be nerve-wracking too. Taking time to assess your own interests, skills, preferences and needs can help ensure that your job search will lead to a work opportunity that’s right for you.

The first step is to take stock of your interests, to determine types of jobs you might find most enjoyable. An “interest assessment” tool can help. The books listed in the Resources sidebar offer various interest assessments, or you can try these online assessments . . .

Recommended Supplements

• Resources (about 100 words)
• oe Mills, Software Engineer – Profile of a young software engineer working for a major international publishing company who uses assistive technology to do his job. Joe happens to be quadriplegic. (about 600 words; photo of Joe working is available upon request to accompany this profile article)