South Carolina Pathways Project: Youth InterviewMeet Julianna Carr - Our SCPP Student Stakeholder Workgroup Chairperson! Able South Carolina is proud to announce that we have partnered with the South Carolina Department of Education, AccessAbility, Walton Options for Independent Living, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, the University of South Carolina, and local education agencies to create the South Carolina Pathways Project. The SCPP is designed to help youth with disabilities transition out of high school. It provides alternative pathways to a high school diploma for those who may need extra support in school. Students can also apply to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services, which allows them to learn job skills such as professionalism and financial literacy. Finally, students can receive a paid internship which includes on-the-job learning opportunities as well as explicit instruction. The SCPP works because it is disability-led. As people with disabilities, we are the experts in our own lives. The SCPP has a workgroup that includes present and former students with disabilities. They meet monthly to learn self-advocacy, leadership, and pre-employment skills. The workgroup also provides input to the Implementation Committee to help shape the SCPP in a way that benefits other students, based on their invaluable lived experiences. We interviewed the Student Stakeholder Workgroup Chairperson, Julianna Carr. Read on to learn more about her and the SCPP. What is your disability? I have Autism. What grade are you in? I am starting 12th grade What are some of your hobbies? I am in the flag corps, and I like to swim, read, listen to music, crochet, and hang out with my dog and cat. What is something you wish people understood about your disability? I wish people understood that sometimes I need more support than I do at other times. This doesn’t mean I can’t do things or do good work. I just need different supports at different times, depending on how my Autism is affecting me. What are your career goals? My career goal is to go to college for either psychology or Autism Behavioral Studies. Why did you join the Student Stakeholder Workgroup (SSW) and how has it helped you? I joined the Student Stakeholder Workgroup so that I could advocate for others. Through the SSW, I learned about the SC Youth Leadership [Forum] and attended as a delegate in July 2025. I also have had the opportunity to present to the SCPP Implementation Council and share SSW recommendations for improving disability outcomes from the youth disability perspective. Both of these experiences have helped me develop my leadership abilities. What does disability pride mean to you, and why is it important? Disability pride to me means owning your disability as a part of who you are. It’s important because it can feel really rewarding and uplifting when you accept your disability. If you’re interested in learning more about the Pathways Program, check out the button link below. |
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