Dr. Paul Wehman, part 2

In this episode of Evidence to Employment, host Carolyn Cage speaks with Dr. Paul Wehman about the critical role of supported employment and paid work experience for transition-age youth with disabilities. Dr. Wehman highlights groundbreaking research from the VCU-RRTC, emphasizing that paid internships and real-world jobs during high school are the strongest predictors of long-term career success. The conversation covers six diverse research studies aimed at underserved groups—including Native American youth, foster youth, and those involved in the justice system—with the goal of creating a "seamless" pathway from school to the workforce. Ultimately, Dr. Wehman argues that while the "paradigm shift" proving these individuals can work has already happened, the next great challenge is ensuring that families, teachers, and counselors have the training and information they need to turn that potential into reality.