Empowering Youth with Disabilities to Achieve Independence

Disabled Resource Services (DRS) offers Youth Services via its “Access to Independence” program. Youth Services is designed to empower youth with disabilities, from 14 to 24, as they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This program includes:

• Information and Referral – providing community resource and referral to access various community services.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Education/Self Advocacy – many youth in the community may not be informed on this Federal legislation and how it may impact a student’s transition to higher education or employment. DRS provides ADA workshops for parents and youth.
• Independent Living Skills – are individually designed to improve or maintain the ability of the youth to live as independently as possible in the community. These skills can include learning bus routes, time management, budgeting skills, etc.
• Employment Readiness – in conjunction with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (if applicable), provides guidance with writing resumes, cover letters, disclosing a disability, asking for reasonable accommodation and interview skills.
• Social Security Application – provides guidance in completing the initial application process.