About Us
AYU began in 2007 as a federal grant funded by the US Administration on Developmental Disabilities and implemented in Springdale, Arkansas by the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). Our primary goal is to support young people with disabilities to transition from high school to adult life. We do this by providing:
- Young people with opportunities to practice self-determination and goal-setting skills
- Parents with a support network and the assistance of available resources
- Schools with information to help students reach postsecondary life goals
Did You Know?
Youth with disabilities emerging from high school and other young adults with disabilities seek to control their own lives, work at real jobs, and live in the community just like their peers without disabilities. This population, however, faces significant challenges. According to the 2007 American Community Survey, in 2007 young people with disabilities in Arkansas (ages 16-30) were:
- Half as likely to be employed as young people without disabilities (30% compared to 64%)
- More likely to live below the poverty level than people without disabilities (35% compared to 23%).
Regarding college, in 2007 young people with disabilities in Arkansas (ages 16-30) were:
- Less likely to receive one or more years of college (10% compared to 15%)
- Two times less likely to earn an Associate’s degree (2% compared to 4%)
- Four times less likely to earn a Bachelor’s degree (2% compared to 9%)