Capturing discovery through the use of a written profile

1. Capturing discovery through the use of a written profile Positive paper for persons with significant complexities

2. What is a Profile? • A Profile is a descriptive picture of a person with a disability developed through the process of discovery. • A Profile involves the development of: • a) positive and useful information, • b) a form that delineates the information and • c) a resource to be used in planning. • A Profile provides an opportunity to see possibilities for the individual.

3. What is a Profile? • A Profile Document provides an alternative format to the traditional evaluation reports that test and compare persons with complexities to general standards and to others. • A Profile document allows service providers and funding agencies to see possibilities.

4. What is a Profile? • A Profile is a document that represents the best and most meaningful aspects of a person’s life. • A Profile is the foundation --the information source-- for all person-centered, person-directed plans. • A Profile is a work-in-progress during the transition years of school and in adult services outside employment. • A Profile is not a plan, but rather the discovery component of any effective plan.

5. Why do a Profile? • To discover all relevant aspects of the job seeker’s life, including the complexity of their disability. • To capture the array of skills that are used in job development efforts. • To identify potential contributions for employment. • To determine the job seeker’s conditions for employment

6. Why do a Profile? • To discover the job seeker’s range of interests and their desired employment outcomes. • To describe the job seeker in a manner which prepares the job developer to effectively negotiate personalized job descriptions with employers. • To provide the foundation for employment planning by “putting together the puzzle pieces” in a manner so that the job seeker can be understood by all who participate in the planning process.

7. Collecting and organizing information • Formal discovery notes • Photos • Informal descriptive notes • Interview responses • “Typical person” inventories • Examples of individual performance • Clippings, trophies, certificates, memorabilia

8. Collecting and organizing information It makes writing easier if information is collected during discovery and organized in a folder or other device that allows an array of documents and other items to be added to as they occur. When the facilitator begins to write the profile, this information source can be used to address the specifics of the form to tell the person’s story.

9. Focus of Parts of the Profile • Part I: Developing identification information necessary to get started • Part II: Describing the individual across an array of life domains • Part III: Summarizing the information discovered during Part II as a preparation for the customized plan Marc Gold & Associates 9

10. When to write the Profile? Immediately following the initial meeting: Part I of the Profile, the Intake Interview, is completed immediately following the initial meeting with the job seeker and family, as appropriate. This brief section provides the necessary information to connect the living situation of the individual with the local community as well as providing all contact information and a factual outline of education and employment experiences. Marc Gold & Associates 10

11. When to write? During the interaction: For facilitators who are dedicating a specific time for discovery and are using conversation/interview or observation as a strategy for discovery, notes may be taken in real time during the activity as long as it is not distracting to the person and the notes are shared with the individual.

12. When to write? Following a discovery interaction For facilitators who are dedicating specific time to discovery during participation activities when concurrent note taking would not be feasible, we recommend that facilitators write the information that was gained through the interaction as soon as possible after the activity is complete.

13. Discovery can lead to a Profile document which is: • Narrative: It uses complete sentences to describe the person. • Comprehensive: It covers all relevant areas of the person’s life relating to employment. • Robust: It fully develops aspects of the person’s life so that contributions and qualities can be translated to employers.

14. Discovery leads to a Profile document which is: • Descriptive: It describes the individual and carefully avoids any evaluative or opinion-based statements. This is perhaps the most important characteristic of the profile in that all persons can be described, regardless of the significance of their disability.

15. Help on being Descriptive • Describe the picture you see in your head • By using action verbs, in the active tense, you will begin to think and write descriptively • Avoid using adverbs they tend to be evaluative – what would you say instead of quickly

16. Descriptiveness ► Competence By focusing on a description of the performance of the individual, without the evaluative lens of ourselves and others, we have a chance to begin to see possibilities for competence and skills that might be offered to employers. This is made possible due to the fact that descriptiveness gets at the concrete actions of the individual. These actions have a direct connection to tasks needed by employer.

17. Focus on performance The best way to write descriptively is to focus on observable behavior of the individual – the person’s performance. Since the profile is by nature an optimistic document, the focus should be on competence rather than on deficits. When an individual’s challenges threaten to compromise the chance for competent behavior, describe the actual behavior and the solutions that work.

18. Descriptive notes during observation When taking observation notes we have the chance to write descriptively by focusing solely on the performance of the individual, using action verbs in the active tense. Here is an example of the same scenario written descriptively during a morning routine for Scott: Prior to his alarm going off Scott was lying in bed, playing a video game. His support person came in, he took the game out of his Gameboy and turned off his TV with his remote control. He then got out of bed opened his nightstand drawer, put the game and his Gameboy inside, and shut the drawer. He picked up his morning schedule, which was lying on the nightstand and he looked over the “to do” items. Scott walked to his bureau, opened the top drawer, and pulled out a pair of socks, and closed the drawer. He walked to his bed, pulled his pajama pants down around his ankles, and sat down on his bed. Marc Gold & Associates 18

19. Descriptive note taking during observation Descriptive writing scenario, continued: Scott put his morning schedule and his pair of socks on the bed. He took off his shirt and pulled the pants off from around his ankles. Scott sat down on his bed and put on his socks. He picked up a pair of underwear that his support staff had placed on his bed and put them on. Scott then opened the closet and took out a thermal shirt. He put the thermal on and then reached into closet for pants. He took the pants off of the hanger, re-hung the hanger up in closet, walked to his bed and sat down. Scott put his pants on, then stood up and began to button his pants. He buttoned his pants and put on his belt. He went to his bed, picked up a t-shirt (staff had placed it there) and put the shirt on. Scott walked to his nightstand, opened the drawer, and took out his PDA case. He walked to his bureau, took PDA off of charger and began to check messages from his dad, Gerry. Marc Gold & Associates 19 Marc Gold & Associates 4101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102 Gautier, MS (228) 497-6999

20. Leads to descriptive writing in the Profile The following represents the notes morphed into the profile section that relates to Scott’s routine: Scott currently is awakened by his parents or in-home support staff at approximately 6:30 AM during the week However a plan is being put in place for Scott to begin using an alarm clock to wake up on his own as he begins the school year. Jessica (support staff), has programmed Scott’s PDA as a way to prompt him to wake up, as well as complete his routine. He often is awake prior to 6:30 and he plays video games on Gameboy that sits on his high stand. Scott checks his PDA and/or a typed sheet of paper first thing each morning for a “to do” list of tasks. He locates clothes in his dresser and closet and puts them on, though occasionally he gets items such as underwear and pants out of order and needs to be reminded by his staff person. Marc Gold & Associates 20

21. Descriptive Writing Scenario To help understand the distinction between descriptive writing and evaluative writing, consider the following traditional evaluative scenario of a young person who is cooking brownies in his kitchen: Damian can cook simple items with assistance. He cannot set the oven temperature independently and care should be taken to assure that he does not burn himself. He cannot read the directions on the box. Damian required one-to-supervision to mix and prepare the brownies and to put them into the oven. He cannot be trusted to cut the brownies with a knife.

22. Descriptive Writing Scenario When writing descriptively, we focus solely on the performance of the individual, using action verbs in the active tense. Here is an example of the same scenario written descriptively: Damian selects the brownie mix from the pantry, finds a mixing bowl from the cabinet and removes a mixing spoon from the utensil drawer, after being reminded by a staff person. As the staff person reads the directions he opens the box, pours the mix into the bowl and continues to blend in ingredients. When he completes the mixing he pours the mixture in a glass pan following a gesture by the staff person. The staff person says, “What’s next?” and Damian points to the oven thermostat. The staff person says, “Which button is for bake?” and Damian pushes the Bake button.

23. Descriptive Writing Scenario Descriptive writing scenario, continued: Damian then begins to turn the thermostat and the staff person says, “Stop at 375.” As Damian nears 375, the staff person says, “That’s it.” and he stops at a nearby indicator. The staff person says, “One more click.” and Damian completes the setting. The staff person asks, “How long do we cook them?” and Damian says 30 minutes. Damian sets the timer similar to the oven. When the timer goes off, Damian puts an oven mitt on his right hand and opens the oven with his left. As he reaches in the staff person says, “Careful, everything is hot.” Damian grasps the pan and slides is out of the oven, keeping the container level. When the brownies had cooled, Damian removes a serving knife from the utility drawer and cuts the brownies into small squares with hand-over-hand assistance from the staff person.

24. Descriptive Writing Scenario List the skills that could be determined as a result of observing Damian cook brownies: □ □ □ □ □

25. Descriptive Writing Scenario List the skills that could be determined as a result of observing Damian cook brownies: □ Selecting mix, bowl and spoon from storage □ Opening a box □ Placing items in a oven □ Recognizing the word “Bake” □ Putting on an oven mitt

26. Robust description • Identify the task being performed • Describe the individual’s performance of the task • Describe necessary supports, accommodations and solutions • Note potential connections and contributions by and with others • Gage the individual’s interest in their performance of the task in descriptive terms

27. Action verbs that describe performance • Picks up, combines, grasps, lifts, walks, places, cuts • Rotates, pushes, swings, removes, turns on, types, wipes • Opens, closes, inserts, sits, stands, says, faces, stoops, climbs

28. Using the discovery profile form The profile format is basically an outline of a set of categories that, taken together, provide sufficient information for the development of a customized plan for employment. The profile is divided into three parts: I. The Profile Intake Summary; II. The Discovery Profile; and, III. The Plan Preparation Summary. We recommend that the profile be developed in sequence with Part I to be completed following the initial discovery meeting, Part II completed during discovery and Part III completed following the conclusion of Discovery. Marc Gold & Associates 28

29. Developing the Profile Documents The Profile consists of three distinct parts that are developed as different times during discovery: • Part I: The Interview Intake Form • Part II: The Discovery Profile • Part III: The Plan Preparation Summary Each Part plays a unique role in capturing the information of discovery. Marc Gold & Associates 29

30. Part I: The Intake Interview Form This form is filled in during or just following Steps 1 – 4 of the 20 Steps to Customization and Discovery. The information contained in this component is factual and can be obtained through interviews with the job seeker and family and/or by scanning existing documentation. This is general information written in a typical professional style. Marc Gold & Associates 30

31. Part II: The Discovery Profile This component of the profile form contains the description of life domains that provides the necessary information for the translation and summarization aspects of Part III. Facilitators are encouraged to provide a descriptive picture of the individual free of personal opinions, presumptions and evaluations . Marc Gold & Associates 31

32. Section 2: Educational Experiences This section addresses the academic experiences of the individual. Be sure to distinguish the areas covered as during the school experience only. This section is of particular importance if the job seeker is 25 years old or younger. If the person is 30 years old or younger, just hit the high points with this area. If the individual is over 30, simply focus on credentials, reflections, etc. Marc Gold & Associates 32

33. Section 3: Employment and Related Activity This area should start at home and include any employment experiences from school or other sites. This section is particularly important area for translation of conditions, interests and contributions. Be sure to distinguish the various categories under this section as each targets a unique aspect of work and employment. Focus on discrete tasks performed, indications of interests and conditions for success. Marc Gold & Associates 33

34. Section 4: Life Activities and Experiences This section examines the non-work aspect of the individual’s life. Pay particular attention to activities performed at the person’s discretion. Look for embedded skills, connections, interactions and other subtleties. If you find that people do not have many activities in these areas, use discovery time to begin new activities that might turn into hobbies and favored activities. Marc Gold & Associates 34

35. Section 5: Description of Current Skills, Interests and Conditions in Life Activities This section provides a scan of the component performance areas of life through the lens of discrete skills, conditions for success and indications of strong interests that might provide a lead to the labor market. It is important to maintain descriptiveness while writing in this area. Pay close attention to the person’s most reliable strengths. Marc Gold & Associates 35

36. Section 6: Connections a. Potential connectors in family: b. Potential connectors among friends: c. Potential connection sites in neighborhood: d. Connections through any clubs, organizations, or groups (such as church or school): e. Business/employer contacts for leads through job seeker, family, and friends:

37. Profile Part III. Plan Preparation Summary The third part of the Profile is the place at which summarization and translation occur. This section must be completed prior to the Customized Plan and may be completed as an aspect of a Discovery Meeting (optional) held toward the end of discovery. Summary statements, likelihood of occurrence and translations are acceptable. Marc Gold & Associates 37

38. Plan Prep Summary & Translation 1. Conditions for Success: This section addresses the range of conditions that are felt to be necessary for success, first in life, then translated to employment. The topics of this section include general conditions for individual and family, conditions related to task performance, instruction, environment, supervision, and supports. Additionally, conditions to be avoided are detailed. Marc Gold & Associates 38

39. Plan Prep Summary & Translation 2. Interests This section addresses the most reliable, most certain interests of the individual and family, as appropriate. It is important to address those activities performed with intrinsic motivation, stated work interests and past work that was of interest. Be careful to avoid job titles with bundled responsibilities. Marc Gold & Associates 39

40. Plan Prep Summary & Translation 3. Potential Contributions This area addresses a range of activities performed by the individual that can be turned into employer contributions. Included in this sections are personality characteristics, reliable strengths, best skills, credentials, past employment, and possible recommendations. Be sure to use interests as the lens through which to identify potential contributions. Marc Gold & Associates 40

41. Plan Prep Summary & Translation 4. Challenges This section addresses the challenging areas in the job seeker’s life that would likely require matching, negotiating, supports or other interventions to resolve. Health and fitness restrictions, behaviors, idiosyncrasies, finances, transportation, and parental concerns are summarized. Be sure to list potential solutions or ways to work around the challenges. Marc Gold & Associates 41

42. Plan Prep Summary & Translation 5. Potential Employer List This final section asks us to look in the job seeker’s community, directed by conditions, interests and challenges, as appropriate, and begin a listing of businesses that fit these considerations. Be sure to start close to the person’s home and radiate out to the limit of the person’s conditions. A list of 20 – 40 business should be targeted. Marc Gold & Associates 42

43. Section for Sensitive Information At the end of Part III, the Plan Preparation Summary, there is a section for describing information that might be sensitive or private regarding the individual or family. Although this section is not to be shared beyond the discovery team, it is useful to write the information as it helps us prepare for how to disclose (with permission) and to get clarity on the issues by having to write about the concern. Marc Gold & Associates 43

44. Potential Funding Sources a. School/Adult Provider b. Vocational Rehabilitation c. Workforce Investment Act d. Medicaid (give status of Medicaid Waiver) f. Personal or family g. Organizations for Individual Development Accounts (church, credit union, family employer) h. Other: (include PASS Plan or other SSA initiatives, if available)