MN: NCD Seeking Input on Youth Transition Issues

From NCD (7/6/09):

National Council on Disability to Hear Presentations from Regional Leaders on Transition for Youth with Disabilities

The National Council on Disability (NCD), as part of its 2 ½ day quarterly meeting, will hear presentations and discuss transition for youth with disabilities at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN, from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. All times are Central Daylight Savings. This meeting is open to the public.

Transition speakers will address Project C³, which has provided resource mapping internships that have assisted over 150 youth with disabilities across Minnesota gain valuable work experience; E-Connect, a modified mentoring program that utilizes electronic communication and occasional face-to-face meetings to connect high school students with employees of local companies that may have a strong technology component in their day to day operations; and Pathways to Employment, which is aimed at increasing competitive employment of people with disabilities. 

Youth transition speakers include:

Alyssa Klein, Transition Specialist, Pathways to Employment and RS/VR Services,

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEEP)

Shauna McDonald, Director, Community Resource Development, PACER Center

Karen Quammen Project Consultant, Pathways to Employment, Minnesota, DEEP

Joe Timmons, Research Fellow, Institute on Community Integration, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition

Specific times are also designated during this quarterly meeting to receive public comment, supported by a toll-free call-in line, and input is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Individuals or organizations can also provide written comments by e-mail at ncd@ncd.gov, by fax at 202-272-2022, or by mail at NCD, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20004.

Public comment sessions will be held Monday, July 20, 11:30 a.m. until noon and on Tuesday, July 21, 4:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The toll-free call-in number is (888) 790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”

The Tuesday afternoon program will conclude with a reception at the hotel that will be open to all meeting attendees. This is an opportunity for guests and stakeholders to meet and interact with NCD Council Members.

The purpose of NCD, an independent federal agency, is to promote programs, practices, policies and procedures that ensure full inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society. NCD accomplishes this mission by providing advice and making recommendations to the President, Congress, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.