What is NYLN?
A youth-led, youth-run national
organization that serves as a
voice for and network of young
leaders with disabilities.
Our members are youth and
young adults with disabilities
(age 16-28) and allies (siblings,
friends, parents, teachers,
etc.).
You can register to be an NYLN
member at www.nyln.org. As a
member you will get great info
and be connected to other
young leaders and allies
around the country.
IMAGE: Picture of the NYLN logo.
It has a hand imprint on it, and it
reads: National Youth Leadership
Network.
Life After High School
Thinking about what to do after
high school can be scary, but your
teachers, school counselors,
vocational rehabilitation
counselors, family, and friends are
all there to help.
You have many options after high
school. You could enter an
apprenticeship, get a job, go to
college, or go to a technical school
or trade school.
IMAGE: Graduation caps in the air.
Preparing for College
You need the following to apply to college:
A completed application to the college
Your high school transcript
The results from the ACT or SAT standardized tests
Letters of recommendation from people who are not family members
IMAGE: A guy
holding a paper
from school
and smiling.
You can ask for accommodations on the SAT and ACT tests.
This may include extended time or taking the test in a different
room.
For a fee, you can also take private classes offered by
companies to improve your score on the SAT or ACT. You can
buy books or borrow them (for free) from the library. These
books will give you practice questions and study tips to get ready
for the tests.
Trade/Technical School
A trade/technical school is a school
where you can go to learn a special skill.
You can learn things like welding,
mechanics, cosmetology (hair and
make-up), or computer technology.
Trade schools are all over the country.
You can talk to you high school
counselor to find out options for trade
schools or go online to find a list of
schools.
IMAGE: A teacher is
showing a student at a
technical school how to
build something.
Entering the Workforce
Going to college is a great idea for some, but it isn’t your only option.
You can enter the workforce or get an apprenticeship, [a work
experience either paid or unpaid that allows you to gain skills while
actually doing a job].
You can write job goals into your IEP in high school, if you plan to go
directly into the workforce.
Your school counselor or vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor
can help you plan ahead and learn the skills you need to get a job.
Set long-term career goals for yourself. Use any jobs you can get as
starting points for where you want to go.
Paying for Your Education
Many students worry about how they will pay for
college or technical school.
There are many ways to get financial help.
Financial aid through your college
Scholarships through your community
Federal loans (apply using a form called FAFSA)
Private loans through local banks
On-campus jobs
IMAGE: A little
character
looks worried
and has money
signs above his
head.
Financial Aid
IMAGE: Stacks of
money.
Financial aid is money that helps you pay for
school. You can get scholarships, private loans,
government loans, and grants.
Almost all colleges and technical schools have a
Financial Aid Office. If you need any help, just
ask the people who work in that office. Your high
school guidance counselor might know about
financial aid options as well.
Scholarships
IMAGE:
Someone is
filling out a
scholarship
application.
A scholarship is money that you apply for. Many
people usually compete for scholarships. It is
awarded to you to help you pay for school.
There are many types of scholarships. Some give
money based on good grades and some are for
athletes. Some are just for people of a certain
cultural background or ethnicity.
Talk to your financial aid office, your high school
counselor, or use the Internet to find different
scholarships.
Transition from
IDEA to ADA
IMAGE: A
dictionary
definition of
legal.
In high school you have an Individualized Education Plan
(IEP). You get an IEP because of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IEP explains your
goals for that school year and the accommodations you need
so you can accomplish them. IEPs also give you a transition
plan for going to work or college after you graduate.
In college the IEP is gone. The American’s with Disabilities
Act (ADA) now applies. This law says that students with
disabilities have the right to an equal education and
reasonable accommodations at college. You need to ask for
accommodations yourself to get them. You are now in
charge of advocating for yourself.
For more information, or to
become a member, contact us:
National Youth Leadership
Network (NYLN)
www.nyln.org
1-866-480-6565