This study investigates the ongoing challenge of high unemployment among youth significantly impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) despite recent legislative efforts. It reports findings from a clinical trial on Project SEARCH plus ASD Supports, aiming to improve employment outcomes for individuals with significant ASD impact upon high school graduation.

This resource, provided by Texas Workforce Commission, gives a first hand view of a high school student who works at CVS.

See the story of Brandon—a young man with a disability, a supportive home filled with friends, a band, and a great job. Brandon also happens to be a big fan of The Beatles—maybe their biggest fan of all time.

Browse through Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Texas Medicaid Waiver services. 

This resource regarding Hiring People with Disabilities is provided by HHS Employment First, and includes great messaging about employment for parents and students and shows young adults who have a job.

Everyone has the right to meaningful employment, and HHSC works with employers and people with disabilities at every level to benefit not just the business but also the employees. Hiring people with disabilities can increase customer base, foster creativity and improve workplace morale. For people who want to work, employment can provide independence, increase self-confidence and create new social relationships.

The website includes an explanation of competitive employment, supported employment, and self-employment in simple language. It also includes job search tips, employment programs, and brief quotes from young adults and their work story, as well as an employer’s viewpoint at the bottom of the page.

If you or a family member have always wanted to get a competitive job but just haven’t known your options, then you should review this resource.This document discusses what competitive integrated employment (CIE) is and is not, along with the different pathways to achieve CIE. This resource is a great starting point for families that are considering or learning more about CIE.

Getting a job in the community is an important milestone for young adults. As your child with a disability begins to think about their future, you may be wondering what you can do to help them prepare for getting a paid job. This is a list of ways families can support their child in getting ready for work as they transition to adulthood. 

There are several reasons why gaining CIE is beneficial for you or your family member. This resource discusses the reasons why you or your family member should seek CIE. The resource discusses how economic independence, personal growth, opportunities for socialization, increased autonomy and meaningful contribution are all important reasons to gain CIE.

The guide includes tons of information about careers and transition.

The site includes links to videos on transition, resources, including Pathways to Adulthood, services, and conferences. Parents can be connected with other mentor-parents.

See how pre-employment services help Texans like Bennett at CVS gain workplace skills and experience in an "earn-while-you-learn" structure. Summer Earn and Learn offers paid work experience with a local employer who, together with TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, can provide the support and accommodations you need to succeed:

• Receive workplace training and accommodations 
• Learn job skills and build confidence
• Earn a paycheck! 

A big part of gaining employment is through Discovery; where the goal is to learn about the individual and identify vocational themes that can be used to guide the person’s plans for employment. This resource discusses what Customized Employment (CE) is and describes what the Discovery process should look like.