Family TIES/UNR Youth Transition Project

This Youth Transition Project addresses the high incidence of unemployment experienced by people with disabilities. VISTA members will provide training that will enable youth with disabilities to understand their needs as they transition from pediatric to adult healthcare and to understand the relationship between employment and healthcare benefits. In addition, VISTA members will work with high school youth with disabilities to develop self-advocacy skills, set life goals, learn independent living skills, and educate community members about people with disabilities. VISTA members in each of 5 regions (Reno/Sparks, Las Vegas, Fallon, Elko, Carson City) will work with transition high school youth in the following manner: Develop self-advocacy groups in the high schools to teach about rights, participation in Individual Education Plans, setting goals, etc;
In addition, VISTA members will continue to support the People First of Nevada self-advocacy organization, in the following manner: Conduct monthly People First meetings; Bring information and resources to people with developmental disabilities about services, employment, housing, transportation; Represent the views of the disability community to local/regional committees and boards; Develop resources for income generation; Educate people with developmental disabilities and community members about the multiple issues facing people with disabilities.