Youth with Disabilities: A Maine Workforce Development Review

Legislation that has occurred over many years, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Workforce Investment Act, has come together with advances in educational strategies to create a climate in which young job seekers with disabilities are able to develop their skills and advocate for necessary accommodations in the workplace. It is well known in the workforce development community that early exposure to the workplace itself and to workforce development programs can improve the employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enabling youth to develop workforce skills and areas of career interest. However, even though knowledge and interest in workplace supports for young people with disabilities have increased, unemployment rates for these youth remain disproportionately high

YLAT Youth Leadership Advisory Team: An Innovative Approach to Systems Improvement

The Youth Leadership Advisory Team (YLAT) brings together young people who are involved with the child welfare system and creates opportunities for them to learn and practice leadership and advocacy skills. YLAT is a three-way partnership including the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine, Maine\u27s Department of Health and Human Services, and Maine\u27s youth in care. Amid a comprehensive system reform, YLAT has been a guiding force and a clear voice. YLAT has enjoyed many successes and garnered attention--including requests for replication--across the nation. This paper grew from a desire to clearly articulate the YLAT model, both to aid other sites considering a similar approach and to help the team as they determine their strategies for YLAT\u27s next decade of achievements