Do you remember your very first job? Maybe it was scooping ice cream, babysitting, or stocking shelves at a local store. That first paycheck felt exciting, but more than money, it was about accomplishment, responsibility, and the confidence that came from contributing. For students with disabilities, those same opportunities are equally important, and schools and families play a key role in making them possible.
Why Employment Planning Matters
Employment is more than a source of income. For young people with disabilities, it fosters independence, self-worth, and community engagement. Studies show that students who gain work experience while still in high school are more likely to find long-term employment as adults. They not only develop workplace skills but also grow in confidence as they see their strengths put into action.
Employment and the IEP
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a powerful tool to help students with disabilities prepare for life after high school, including employment. Federal and state laws require that transition planning begin no later than age 14 in Tennessee, but conversations about future goals can and should start even earlier.
To make IEP employment goals effective, they should be written as SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each goal should clearly state what the student will achieve, include a way to track progress, be realistic based on the student’s skills and supports, connect directly to the student’s interests, and include a clear timeframe.
Examples of SMART Employment Goals
Here are some ways employment-focused IEP goals can be written.
- Within one year, the student will complete three mock job interviews with 80 percent accuracy in answering questions, as measured by teacher and counselor evaluation.
- By the end of the semester, the student will create a resume that highlights skills and experiences, with no more than two teacher prompts per section.
- During the next school year, the student will participate in at least two work-based learning experiences, such as job shadowing or volunteering, with documented supervisor feedback.
- By graduation, the student will independently complete a public transportation route to and from a job site on three consecutive occasions, as documented by staff observation.
These types of goals not only prepare students for employment but also build independence and confidence.
Collaboration is Key
Strong employment outcomes require teamwork. Families can share insight into student strengths and aspirations, while educators guide instruction and opportunities. Inviting outside agencies, such as vocational rehabilitation, into IEP meetings helps ensure students have a seamless connection to adult services after high school.
Overcoming Barriers
Even with careful planning, challenges like transportation, accessibility, and employer readiness may arise. Families and educators do not have to navigate this alone.
Finding the Right Supports
While schools lead the way in IEP planning, families often need help finding community-based programs and services. We would be honored to help guide you to the specific resources and information you need to reach your employment goals. By visiting www.tnpathfinder.org, families and educators can locate job training programs, vocational rehabilitation services, and community supports that align with IEP employment goals.
Building Toward the Future
Employment goals in the IEP are about more than preparing for a paycheck. They help students envision a meaningful adult life filled with independence, purpose, and self-respect. When schools, families, and communities work together, students with disabilities are better equipped to pursue their dreams and thrive in the workforce.
Think back to your first job. The lessons you learned and the confidence you gained set the stage for your future. Every student deserves the same chance. With thoughtful IEP planning and the right community connections, Tennessee students with disabilities can step into adulthood ready to succeed.