Alison DeYoung
Youth Employment Solutions Center / National TASH Project Manager
California
Alison DeYoung is currently the Project Manager with the Youth Employment Solutions Center - YES! Center. The YES! Center is a national Training and Technical Assistance Center that serves as a central source of information, expertise and comprehensive support for the Partnerships in Employment (PIE) state projects. The mission of the YES! Center is to improve competitive, integrated employment outcomes for transition-aged youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alison was previously the Academic Success Coordinator at the University of North Carolina Greensboro in the Integrative Community Studies 4-year certificate program. She has been a disability rights advocate since 2006 when she began working in the field of education and transition during her undergraduate studies. In 2010, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Severe & Multiple Disabilities from the University of Arizona. Upon receiving her degree and teaching certification, she began working as a high school job developer in Tucson, AZ and eventually joined Project FOCUS at the University of Arizona, a model demonstration post-secondary education program. Through her experience in numerous transition and higher education settings, Alison has been actively involved in supporting students in obtaining competitive employment while utilizing community connections and natural supports. She holds a strong passion for fully inclusive academic and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.