How tech means jobs ahead for kids with cognitive disabilities

Individuals with intellectual disabilities have it particularly rough when it comes to getting hired. Here's how some are addressing the problem.

BY MARGUERITE REARDON

In this CNET feature, Digitability is showcased for its mission to prepare people with cognitive disabilities for better employment outcomes.

You can learn more about Digitability's award-winning, work-ready model on our How it Works page.

About Digitability:

Digitability empowers individuals with disabilities with the work-ready skills necessary for independence in our tech-driven and high social society. 

Students in special education classrooms have complex needs. The path to preparing students for today’s modern workplace involves many technical moving parts, that not every teacher will have the background in. For the last eight years, the Digitability model has been recognized as an innovative solution to the unemployment crisis facing a large and growing population, and has been featured on MSNBC, CNET, NPR, TechCrunch and showcased at Silicon Valley's Social Innovation Summit.

Digitability students graduate with a work-ready, skill-based portfolio and the social and emotional ability to persevere and self-advocate; this is helping people with neurodiverse needs overcome existing social and attitudinal barriers to obtaining and sustaining employment. Through Digitability's unique process, 70% of our graduates have obtained full time employment.

The needs of individuals who participate in the Digitability program run the gamut; therefore, to create an inclusive environment, all of our resources are extensively differentiated to support a very wide range of learning and behavior needs. Additionally, our teacher professional development services and progress monitoring features, ensure that students are meeting their measurable, work-ready goals.