Opportunities for Special Needs Students After High School | Macy Farrington | TEDxPittsburgHigh

TL;DR

After high school, special needs students face limited opportunities in college, employment, or independent living centers due to lack of support and resources.

Transcript

Transcriber: Elizabeth Chero Reviewer: Walaa Mohammed What opportunities exist for special needs students after they graduate from high school? The National Center for Educational Statistics states that 19.4% of students attend college after graduating from high school or other secondary services. What about the other 80.6% of students? What oppo... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ Only 19.4% of special needs students attend college after high school, leaving a significant portion with limited opportunities.
• 🤵 Independent living centers provide support and services for special needs individuals, but there is room for improvement in expanding accessibility.
• 🖤 Employment is a common option for special needs individuals, but challenges like lack of training and accommodations hinder their success in the workplace.
• 🪡 Colleges may need to provide specialized programs for special needs students to cater to their unique educational needs.
• 😘 Employers can benefit from hiring individuals with disabilities, as they often bring enhanced reliability, productivity, and lower turnover rates to the workplace.
• 💦 Walmart's initiative in hiring people with disabilities showcases the positive impact of creating inclusive work environments.
• 🗯️ Success stories like Anita Lesko highlight the potential for individuals with disabilities to achieve greatness with the right support and opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main challenges special needs students face after high school?

Special needs students often lack support and resources, limiting their opportunities in college, employment, and independent living centers.

Q: How do independent living centers support special needs individuals?

Independent living centers provide services like employment assistance, advocacy, and daily living support to help special needs individuals thrive.

Q: Why is employment a common option for special needs individuals?

Employment offers a structured routine and a sense of purpose, making it an attractive option for many special needs individuals who thrive in such environments.

Q: What can be done to improve opportunities for special needs students?

Creating more programs, expanding services in existing centers, and increasing awareness among employers can help improve opportunities for special needs individuals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Only 19.4% of special needs students attend college after high school, leaving the remaining 80.6% with limited opportunities.

• Independent living centers offer support similar to assisted living but cater to a younger demographic, providing services like employment assistance and advocacy.

• Employment is a common option for special needs individuals, but lack of training and accommodations pose challenges for both employers and employees.