A must-read for all but especially as many look to cut the safety net of special and alternative education- From the NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/us/even-critics-of-safety-net-increasingly-depend-on-it.html?hp 

From the Cornell Course Description, "Self-Determination": 



Are you experiencing the "three D's" at your current school, service system?  i.e.
 * Different (not one of us);
 * Disconnected (not part of our communities or culture);
 * Dependent (kept or managed)

or are experiencing  the "three I's",
 * Individual (like you and me);
 * Included (like you and me);
 * Interdependent (like you and me).

"Self-determination is, at its core, designed to shatter societal perceptions and acceptance of the three D's about persons with disabilities through relentless advocacy efforts that promote realization of the three I's. Self-determination is a human rights and a civil rights issue. "
from the self determination course at Cornell University.

Family of Woodstock, Inc works in conjunction with the Office of Employment and Training to help qualifying youth 16-21 who need support finding jobs and becoming self-sufficient individuals. They have GED support, work readiness workshops, money to pay for certification tuition, and paid internships available. Contact: Genevieve Salerno, Youth Employment Case Specialist at (845) 331-7080 x153.
Shared by: Lucille A. Ruggieri, UCTCC Co-Chair, Vocational Coordinator, Gateway Community Industries, Ulster County Department of Mental Health.

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