Evidence to Employment: Transition Research in Action

How is the rapid evolution of technology transforming the career landscape for students with disabilities? In this episode of Evidence to Employment: Transition Research in Action, host Carolyn Cage sits down with Jaclyn Camden, Project Director and Study Lead at VCU-RRTC on Transition, to discuss the past, present, and future of post-secondary education and career development.Jaclyn shares her deeply personal journey into the field—from a high school counselor telling her she wasn't "college material" to witnessing her first cohort of students with intellectual disabilities walk across the VCU graduation stage.The conversation dives deep into the necessity of innovation in higher education, highlighting a remarkable COVID-era success story of a virtual internship that turned into permanent employment. Jaclyn also introduces her groundbreaking new research study, which focuses on equipping diverse college professionals—from career services to accessibility offices—with the precise tools they need to connect students with all types of disabilities to meaningful internships and careers.Key Takeaways From This Episode:The Power of High Expectations: How shifting the narrative around students with disabilities opens doors to higher education and meaningful employment.The Tech Shift in the Workforce: A look at data from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report, and why college professionals must prepare students for a rapidly changing, tech-driven labor market.Innovation Through Virtual Support: How remote internships and digital tools (like Zoom) can successfully broaden geographical and professional access for students.Expanding the Research: Moving from specialized programs (like VCU's ACE-IT in College) to a broader professional development model that supports students across all disability categories on campus.Learn More & Connect:Featured Guest: Jaclyn Camden, Study Lead & Project Director at VCU-RRTCHost: Carolyn Cage, Director of Training for the VCU-RRTCExplore the Research: To take a closer look at the data, strategies, and studies mentioned in this episode, visit transition.vcurrtc.org.What's Next? Tune in to our next session, where Jaclyn goes "behind the scenes" and dives even deeper into the rollout and metrics of her current research study!

In this episode of Evidence to Employment, host Carolyn welcomes back Dr. Paul Wehman to discuss the future of transition and work for youth with disabilities. Dr. Wehman dives into the current landscape of research, sharing the challenges and triumphs of managing multiple studies aimed at improving employment outcomes.

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.

In this episode, host Carolyn Cage sits down with Dr. Paul Wehman, a pioneering leader whose work helped shape supported employment and transition services for youth with disabilities. Dr. Wehman reflects on his personal journey, the early days of supported employment, and the many colleagues and mentors who influenced his path. He walks listeners through key milestones—from the Education for All Handicapped Children Act to the rise of supported employment, the ADA, and Medicaid waiver funding—that transformed opportunities for people with disabilities. Together, they explore how decades of innovation, advocacy, and collaboration continue to redefine what meaningful work can look like for all.