Leaving the world of adolescence and entering the adult world — the real world — can be a confusing time for anyone. But for young people with disabilities, it can feel like arriving at a cliff as they leave behind the cocoon of school and sometimes struggle to find a place where they belong. Exited is a podcast that brings you the stories of eight young people, ranging in age from 17 to 26, as they navigate transitions in various settings – high school, higher education, sheltered workshops, day programs, and home life.
Click the links below to hear each of the five episodes. Or subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon.
“Want a diploma? Go through this maze first” In the first episode of Exited, explore an early factor in transition – graduation tracks – through the experience of 17-year-old Nate, a student who doesn’t quite fit on any one track.
“Leaving college with lots of benefits — but no degree” Going to college can be a key experience in a young person’s life, leading to friendships, personal growth, a degree — and, of course, future employment.
“The uncertain future of segregated workshopsThe uncertain future of segregated workshops” Sheltered workshops, where many people with disabilities go to work, have been around for decades. But they’re controversial for a few reasons
“How disabled is too disabled to work?” When Akin Johnson was nearing the end of high school, he was clear about what he wanted to do next. He wanted to get a job.
“Imagining the future and ‘other people caring for him'” People like Jonathan Jackson tend to have an entourage. An entourage can consist of professionals and family members who support someone with disabilities in all kinds of ways.
This podcast, produced in 2017, is from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, a multi-platform reporting effort to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about inclusion. The Inclusion Desk grew from the Move to Include partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.