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Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work Project. WSTI Transition Academy November 29, 2012. Projects of National Significance. ADD Partnerships in Employment Grants Awarded to 6 states in 2011, 2 more states in 2012. NY, MS, MO, CA, IA & TN, AK
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Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work Project WSTI Transition Academy November 29, 2012
Projects of National Significance • ADD Partnerships in Employment Grants Awarded to 6 states in 2011, 2 more states in 2012. • NY, MS, MO, CA, IA & TN, AK • Focus on policies that lead to improved integrated employment outcomes for youth with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Project framework includes all stakeholders: • School staff • Service agencies: Voc Rehab; Long-term care system • Students • Families • Broader community (including employers)
WI Project Overview: 4 Main Components • Statewide consortium • Policy team • Pilot schools • On-site coaches
Consortium • Key stakeholders who identify policy and practice barriers and strategies for engaging policymakers. • Includes updates from schools and 3 state agencies. • Includes youth track! • Parent track at last meeting.
Policy Team • Members • What it does
Practical Strategies for Engaging Policymakers • Making a solid case for change: data/research • Focus on policymakers’ own interests • Look at what is happening in the general population of youth regarding employment in your state • Help policymakers make connections • Work in coalitions: create a “buzz”
Policy Accomplishments in Year One • Guidance from DVR leadership on community-based assessments. • Youth Transition On the Job Training (OJT). • Strengthening statewide training to DVR staff on how to support individuals with the most complex disabilities (assumption that all are employable). • Vocational Diploma bill passed. • LRE guidance provided by OSEP as it • relates to work placements.
Policy Accomplishments in Year One Cont. • Students with disabilities included in discussion around Individual Learning Plans. • All ADRC staff trained on integrated employment for youth with disabilities. • Peer to Peer Mentoring added to Children’s Waiver.
School Pilot Sites • RFPs disseminated/partners reviewed applications. • Schools selected • 1st Round: Grafton, Holmen, Kewaunee County, Manitowoc, Oconomowoc • 2nd Round: New Auburn, • Rhinelander, Stoughton, • West Allis/West Milwaukee
School Pilot Sites • 9 school pilot sites selected to implement an evidence-based intervention package. • Person-centered planning • Early connection to DVR • School opportunity mapping • Community Conversations • Access to general ed classes and extra-curriculars • Paid and volunteer work experiences • Connecting families to opportunities early (college, benefits counseling, career options, etc.)
School Pilot Sites – 1st Year Accomplishments • All of the 37 pilot participants connected to DVR much earlier (15 – 16 years old). • Students showing more self-esteem/independence. • Parents more involved in the process. • Schools more engaged with business community. • School staff working better as a team. • PSAs! Holmen PSA, Grafton PSA
Coaches • On-site supporters/cheerleaders/practitioners who show school staff how to try new practices. • Provide resources and direct instruction training. • Connect them to other professional development, training, and resources.
For More Information • Jenny Neugart, Project Coordinator • jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov • 608-261-7528 • Nancy Molfenter, Coach/Trainer • nancym_wiapse@earthlink.net • 608-220-4524 • Shannon Munn, Coach/Trainer • shannon@incontrolwisconsin.org • www.letsgettoworkwi.org