Welcome to The RAISE Standard Newsletter

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we explore the evolving legal and regulatory landscape, as well as the opportunities for youth with disabilities as the global pandemic enters its third year.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we explore the entrepreneurial spirit of starting a business.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard we explore addictions and substance use disorders, and their impact on youth with disabilities.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we explore the intersection of public benefits, earned income and personal finance, and the complex balance needed to achieve and preserve financial wellness.

This issue of RAISE The Standard focuses is focused on real employment. Get ready to learn more about competitive jobs, integrated settings, and real wages. It’s the “gold standard” of transition outcomes for students with disabilities.

This issue of RAISE The Standard focuses on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities at home, at work, and at school.

This issue of RAISE The Standard focuses on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities at home, at work, and at school.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we focus on youth empowerment. When youth are empowered, they have the skills, critical awareness, and opportunities to positively impact their own lives and their communities.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, as the second COVID-19 school year comes to an end, many parents and school leaders are asking whether students have met the goals and objectives in their Individual Education Program (IEP).

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, as we collectively mark the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, we focus RAISE on mental health conditions and resources for youth in transition from school to adult life.

In this issue of RAISE, we explore beliefs and behavior around inclusion, and how they affect opportunities for employment and advancement.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we focus on employment, business ownership and entrepreneurship.

In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we look back at some of the content we have shared with you over the years. As we reflect on the work we have done, and the evidence-based strategies we have shared, we invite our readers to put these ideas into action for positive change.

This summer, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turned 30 years old. The first generation of Americans with disabilities has grown into full adulthood under its promises and protections. In this issue of RAISE the Standard, we explore the history and the movement that helped to shape the landscape of the service system for people with disabilities, and look to the steps that young advocates can take to ensure justice and equality for future generations.

In this special issue of RAISE, we offer insight, information, perspectives, and data, calling on all advocates to show up as visible anti-racist allies; to learn more about systemic racism particularly as it affects those with disabilities; and to review policies and practices within your organizations through the lens of anti-racism.

This month we explore issues related to mental Illness, isolation and Transition
During COVID-19.

This month we explore issues related to meaningful work, from entry level to a career.

In this special issue of RAISE The Standard, we explore the COVID-19 pPandemic and its effects on youth with disabilities and the systems that support them..

Health Care Education and Advocacy: This month we explore issues related to health care and health care-related decision making for youth of transition age.

Caregivers: This month we explore issues related to caregiving for teens and young adults with disabilities.

Mobility: This issue focuses on travel training and mobility as a vital component of transition planning, and a door opener to college, career, and community connections.

Networking & Social Media: In this issue, we explore how youth with disabilities can leverage social media and networking opportunities to help them land a job and position themselves for the next big thing.

Independence: What does independence mean? It depends on whom you ask. In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we offer perspectives from students, adults, and parents about what independence means to them.

Customized Employment and Job Creation: An approach to hiring, retention, and return to work that ties the strengths, conditions, and interests of a job candidate or employee to the business needs of an employer. It provides greater employee satisfaction and productivity, among other benefits, bringing better retention and profitability for employers. It can bring people from diverse populations, including those with disabilities, into the workplace to contribute their untapped talents to businesses.

Mental Health Month: More than 44 million adults in the US. report having had a mental health condition during the past year – that is more than 18 percent of the US population or nearly one in five people. This makes psychiatric disabilities one of the most common types of disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).