“Going to Work” Video Series

What’s next for you after high school? Need cash? You’re probably either going to go right to work, or to college and then work.

Meet six young people with diverse interests, perspectives, talents, and disabilities who have learned about networking, disability disclosure, interviewing, and job accommodations through first hand experience. They tell it like it is in the brand new “Going to Work” video series by Wisconsin Youth First.

The Basics of Finding a Job

1. Decide what types of jobs interest you – What types of skills and experience do you have? What are your interests? What new skills would you like to learn?

2. Narrow down the specifics for your job hunt – How far are you willing to travel? How will you get to and from your job? What hours are you available to work?

3. Search outside the box – Look into volunteer opportunities, internships, or start your own small business. Let friends, family members, teachers, and neighbors know you are looking for a job and ask for their help. Use the internet to search out available resources in your area. Visit How to do a Job Search from Kids as Self Advocates.

4. Prepare a simple resume even if you think you don’t have experience – List your skills and responsibilities, even if it’s only chores you do at home such as mowing the lawn or babysitting. Highlight how your skills will meet the needs of your prospective employers. Have references available.

5. Prepare for a job interview – Practice how you might respond to interview questions with friends and family. Find out as much as you can about your prospective employer. Look professional for the interview.

Tips from Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs 

Introduction to Disability Disclosure

Reasonable Accommodations at Work

Accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.

Learn more about accommodations at work and the ADA >

Practice Job Interview Questions

Use this list of common interview questions to practice with a parent or friend to help boost your chances of having a successful job interview.

View list of practice questions >

How to do a Job Search

It takes a lot of planning and organizing to get the job you want. This tip sheet will give you ideas on how to get a job, where to go to find a job, and how to use the internet to help you.

Read the “How to do a Job Search” tip sheet >

I’m Thinking College (Even with My Disability)

Your Rights at College, Trade School, and More

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are the two main laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities in universities, colleges, and other postsecondary institutions.

Learn more about your rights >

Tips for Your Freshman Year of College

In college, you are on your own to find the help you need, even if you do not know what that need is yet.  The following is a tip sheet to assist you in your quest for higher education.

Read the tip sheet >

Self-Advocacy in Higher Education

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, public institutions of higher education must provide “reasonable accommodations” for students with documented disabilities who identify themselves to the disability services office at the school, and request accommodations.  This fact sheet will help you learn some of the questions disability service providers might ask and what helpful questions you may want to ask your disability services coordinator.

Read the fact sheet >

College or Training Programs: How to Decide

Your high school diploma opens the door to many exciting, new options. These might include part-time or full-time attendance at a technical school, community college, or university.  Here are some ideas you may want to consider before you graduate.

Read the fact sheet >

Youth Leadership Fact Sheets