An Innovative State Alignment Grant for Improving Transition Outcomes 
for Youth with Disabilities Through the Use of IntermediariesImproving Transition OutcomesCouncil Bluffs E-Mentoring PresentationIowa Department 
for the BlindIowa Department 
of EducationIowa Department 
of Human ServicesIowa Division 
of Persons with 
DisabilitiesIowa Vocational 
Rehabilitation 
ServicesIowa Governor's 
Developmental 
Disabilities CouncilIowa Workforce 
Development
Improving Transition Outcomes with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
and Governance Group partners Department for the Blind, Department 
of Education, Department of Human Services, Division of Persons with 
Disabilities, Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council, and Workforce 
Development, proudly announces that the Council Bluffs Youth Connections 
prototype will present at the “AThousand Roads” 2006 Transition-Parent 
Educator Connection Conference on Tuesday, February 28, 2006. Youth 
Connections team members Mary Warren and Karen Gillman with Iowa 
Western Community College Workforce Development, E-Mentor Julie Boles 
with Hy-Vee, and an E-Mentee youth will conduct the presentation. 

The Youth Connections prototype is one of three community demonstrations 
implementing strategies to improve transition outcomes for youth with disabilities 
ages 14-24. Each prototype tests, adjusts and perfects strategies to meet 
the needs of youth, families, educators, employers and the larger community. 
Preparation for, securing, and maintaining employment are among the prototype 
outcome measures. E-mentoring is a critical component of Youth Connections. 
The prototype currently facilitates E-mentoring and vocational exploration 

opportunities in the community for fifty-five youth from seven area high schools. 

This is the second year of E-
mentoring between youth with 
disabilities and employees 
of local businesses. Mentors 
overwhelmingly volunteered 
to participate again because, 
in their words, “…enjoyed the 
experience,” “…grateful to 
be involved,” and “I enjoyed 
the program and I think the 


mentee also enjoyed it.” Youth participants cited improved 
keyboarding skills and increased confidence in their writing skills 
as a result of E-mailing mentors. Educator praise included, “all 
participating 12th grade students completed high school.” 

Youth Connections facilitates E-mentoring through Iowa 
Mentoring Partnership. Mentors and mentees correspond 
weekly and messages are focused on succeeding in 
the workplace. Topics include employer expectations, 
responsibilities, listening to instruction, problem-solving, attendance, working as a 
team, maintaining a positive attitude, preparing resumes, submitting applications, 
job interviews, etc. all related to seeking, retaining and maintaining employment. 

The students participated in a variety of vocational exploration activities such as 
company tours and job shadows. Guest speakers from participating businesses 
visited the high schools and talked with the students about their company’s hiring 
practices and workplace expectations. Several students were placed with businesses 
for paid work experience opportunities. Some of the students attended a week long 
summer leadership camp that emphasized self advocacy skill development.

Noteworthy outcomes from the Youth Connections prototype include youth not only 
indicating interest in post-secondary education but seniors registered for fall classes 
upon graduation and businesses hiring youth who participated in work experiences.

The Youth Connections team includes youth and young adults with disabilities, parents, 
Area Education Agency 13, Chamber of Commerce, League of Human Dignity, Iowa 
School for the Deaf, Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation 
Services, Iowa Western Community College, and Pottawattamie County. 

Youth Connections is offered through the State of Iowa Improving Transition Outcomes 
grant project administered by Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services with funding 
through the US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. Prototype 
replication is encouraged and tools to assist with replication are under production.


For More Informa


This document was developed by Improving Transition Outcomes with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation 
Services, funded by a grant/contract/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office 
of Disability Employment Policy #E-9-4-3-0093. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily 
reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, 

commercial products, or organizations imply the endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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