TPC Spring 2014

1. TPC Spring 2014 Kristi Lockhart (DRS) Marianne Moore (VDOE)

2. Updates • Agencies • Localities • News, numbers, programs, processes…

3. National • Labor force: 21.1% with disabilities • Unemployment: Disproportionately higher for people with disabilities (Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Dept of Labor) (Office of Disability Employment Policy)

4. Nation addressing youth employment • Examples of evidence based approaches (handout) • Common threads of success: • Work experience in the community • Several weeks or more in length • Considerable hours (15+) • Multiple opportunities • Collaborating with community partners to provide sites and supports • Employers • Agencies and organizations

5. Addressing Youth with Disabilities Employment First • Defined as an official directive from a state government agency stating that employment in the community in the general workforce is the first and primary option for individuals with disabilities and /or it is the intent of the state to move in that direction

6. Virginia’s Response • Interagency Employment First focus • Collecting data to improve processes • VR grant from UMass Institute for Community Inclusion • VDOE Predictors by Outcome Areas (handout) • Addressing barriers identified by the data • Example: Portsmouth transportation grant • Other examples

7. Process is Key! • What can we do differently/better? • Timeline adjustment • Middle school: Academic and Career Plan • Aligned to Transition IEP • Virginia Education Wizard • Sharing of assessment information • Align the IEP and IPE (handout)

8. Colonial Heights High SchoolJanet Rosen (CHPS), Emily West (DRS) • Strong relationships • School, DRS, employers, CIL, WWRC, CSB, DSS, others • Students referred to DRS in 9th grade • Emphasis on soft skills • Use of DARS evaluations and work readiness program prior to EFE • Many students offered jobs with their EFE employer • 90% of Janet’s 2013 graduates are working or in training! Key to success: Effective job placements through strong community relationships and reliable vocational data Paul at work!

9. Alleghany and Craig CountiesHonor Hartsfield (ACPS), Alan Huffman (DRS) • I’m Determined and the One Pager • Student driven IEPs and Transition Planning • Honor matches job preferences to work experience sites • Student interviews, interest assessments • Works collaboratively with DARS counselor, WIA staff for summer employment • DRS presents at annual Craig County HS Open House • Halloween Community Event at high school • Collaborative effort with DARS, CSB, DSS, VCCS and WIA reps • Open to any student with an IEP and their family • DRS presentations at Alleghany Middle and High Schools • Full day on DARS Services and Vocational Tech Center Courses • Focus on job sites that are flexible, offer wide variety of tasks and learning experiences • Alleghany Regional Hospital has been one of best sites • WIA partnership Community Innovations for community based unpaid work experience • Annually in Spring: mini Job Fair at the local farmer’s market • Students serve as event guides

10. WilliamsburgMatt Luther (DRS) • Developed long term relationships with school staff • DRS materials provided at IEP meetings. • Encourages parent and extended family involvement in the employment planning process • Work experience sites are used for training only (school covers liability concerns) • Begins with work readiness skills / soft skills in school to assess behaviors • Students may work a semester in the cafeteria or the attendance office • Community based work experience by 11th or 12th grade Outcomes: • Students taking part in the school to work programs are better prepared for the workplace • Constructive criticism, following directions, developing work tolerance • Participants are more likely to retain their post graduation jobs • High correlation between school based work experience and long term success at work

11. Community Needs • What do I need to improve employment outcomes? • How can our locality “market” use of adult agencies? • What are they • Why should they be used • What state level technical assistance could be provided?  • How can VITC help? (Virginia Intercommunity Transition Council) Write ideas on sticky notes

12. Eastern ShoreRobin Sexauer (DRS) • Client received work experiences and guidance and counseling while in high school. • He received a WorkWorldAnalysis explaining to him and his parent what he could earn and how to protect his insurance. • He was hired by Walmart. If he had gotten the job without WISA, he might have lost his check and benefits. • Extensive guidance and counseling with the client and his parent about WISA services, helped them follow through. • Parents are going to be much more supportive if they can understand that “the check” won’t be lost. • It is important for the DARS counselors to be aware of, make the referral and follow through on WISA services.

13. Break Time Network with colleagues! Browse shared materials/resources!

14. Social Security Work Incentives and WISA Services

15. {David’s slides here}

16. Success Story • Graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College (VWC) in May 2013.  • Honor Society at VWC.  • Consistently maintained good grades.  • Actively involved in community youth leadership organizations such as I’m Determined.  • Mentor for 3 years at the SAY Yes to College workshop at Old Dominion University.  • DRS assisted AA with the cost of tuition, room & board, and books/supplies • Resided on campus (with his service dog) due to commuting challenges • Endependence Center completed a Work World Benefits Analysis • Soon after graduating hired full-time by the VA Medical Center • Medical Records And Health Information Technician • Salary is about $30,000 annually!

17. Group Reflection / Input • Vote with your stickers • Which ideas/comments appeal most to you? • Take away from today’s discussion • Aha! moment • What will you do now?

18. Thank you for participating today! {Please complete an evaluation}