About Us

CAPE-Youth:

• • • Conducts research on new and existing innovative policy and practice approaches to improving transition and employment-related outcomes of youth and young adults with disabilities
    • Develops strategic partnerships between national, state and local workforce systems
    • Shares best practices among key stakeholders from individuals and families to state legislators and beyond
    • Helps states identify opportunities to expand career pathways, work-based learning, strategic partnerships, systems coordination and professional development for youth and young adults

About the Partners

The Office of Disability Employment Policy

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.

ODEP’s mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. To fulfill this mission, ODEP promotes the adoption and implementation of ODEP policy strategies and effective practices — meaning those that ODEP has developed and/or validated — that will impact the employment of people with disabilities. ODEP’s approach is to drive systems and practice changes by disseminating ODEP policy strategies and effective practices, sharing information, and providing technical assistance to government agencies, service providers and non-governmental entities, as well as public and private employers. Through these activities, ODEP contributes to the achievement of: DOL’s Strategic Goal 1: Support the ability of all Americans to find good jobs, and Strategic Objective 1.3: Develop evidence-based policies, practices, and tools to foster a more inclusive workforce to increase quality employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Council of State Governments

Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments (CSG) is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.

The CSG Center of Innovation is the CSG policy shop. The Center leverages CSG’s considerable convening power and its demonstrated success in providing outreach and technical assistance to the states to acquire external funding for projects focused on CSG member priorities. The CSG Center of Innovation provides a convenient and effective platform to collaborate with these valued partners and leverage those partnerships to secure funding for joint initiatives. Rather than a think tank, the CSG Center of Innovation is a practical resource for state officials in all three branches of government.

The K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute (YTI) on Employment and Disability, School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), Cornell University

Cornell University’s ILR School, a “college of and for the workplace” with a focus on human resources, worker rights, labor economics, and law and relations, will serve as a member of the Consortium. The K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute (YTI) on Employment and Disability within the ILR School has been a provider of federally- and state-sponsored research, training, technical assistance and organizational development surrounding workforce development, community employment innovations, transition planning for youth with disabilities and workplace disability inclusion policies and practices since the mid-1960s. YTI’s team has written numerous articles, research briefs and training materials/curricula on employment, transition, and workplace initiatives.

The San Diego State University Interwork Institute

The San Diego State University’s Interwork Institute is a proud minority serving institution focused on promoting the integration of all individuals, including those with disabilities, into all aspects of education, work, family, and community life. The Institute conducts research, training, and education using a variety of strategies including distance learning technologies. Current efforts include supporting vocational rehabilitation systems across the U.S., and promoting universal design and full integration of all individuals in our communities. Education and research efforts involve organizations and individuals in all states, tribal communities, the Pacific Basin, Asia, and Europe. Faculty and staff associated with the Department and the Institute are uniquely prepared to promote the meaningful participation and productivity of each member of the community.

The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)

The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is a professional association representing individual workforce development and human resources practitioners, who connect jobseekers, educators, and companies to advance the American economy. NAWDP provides the professional development, resources, and certification credibility to individuals seeking to thrive in the workforce development industry as thought leaders and innovators. As the leading advocate for workforce development professionals, NAWDP builds relationships and connections with other industry-leading organizations to challenge and collaborate for the advancement of the industry.