 About NCSET
Message from the Director
David R. Johnson
We know from research studies that only 19% of high school graduates with disabilities go on for further education within two years after completing high school. Only 29% of adults with disabilities are participating in the workforce, either full or part time. Youth with disabilities in secondary education have high dropout rates, substantial unemployment and underemployment, low levels of academic achievement, and limited participation in education beyond high school – and we believe this is in large part due to the limited number of opportunities presented that support taking a different path.
We want more youth to have outcomes like those of a young man I know named Ben. Ben successfully completed high school, attended community college, and obtained employment within his community. He also has significant disabilities and received special education services during high school. He had parents and teachers who believed in his abilities and supported his plans and goals for himself. We want all young people with disabilities to receive that kind of support and to have successful outcomes that reflect their goals and dreams.
Through the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition we work with educators and other school staff, community service agency professionals, employers, policymakers, agency administrators, families and youth to better support youth with disabilities to realize their individual potential. To accomplish this, we need to work cooperatively with many national-, state-, and community-level agencies and organizations. Whatever the Center takes on must be done with the support, dedication, and commitment of others.
See Dr. Johnson's Staff Bio
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