4101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102 Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999 Marc Gold & Associates©1...

Marc Gold & Associates© 14101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102

Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery: Finding the Direction to Facilitate Successful Employment

A process for guiding transition to employment for students and

adults with disabilities


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The essence of discovery

• Discovery: to gain insight or knowledge of something previously unseen or unknown; to notice or realize; to make known, reveal, disclose


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

What we usually know about the people we try to assist – just the tip of the iceberg

We need to know much more

The Iceberg Analogy of Discovery


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The role of discovery

Discovery provides, in a non-traditional, common-sense form, the information needed to determine the strengths, needs, and interests of any person with complex life issues.

This is accomplished by simply

addressing the question, “Who is this person?”


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery and Customization

These are compatible concepts that are used sequentially to facilitate employment for students who might otherwise not achieve employment.

Discovery provides the foundation information for individuals that is then used to customize a position with an employer.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery and Traditional Procedures

• Discovery seeks to identify already-existing information rather than developing information solely for the purposes of evaluation or diagnosis.

• Identifying a direction for employment is based on information obtained from the person's entire life and not from an instance of performance.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


• The discovery process focuses more on ecological validity than predictive validity. It is more important that the direction to employment makes sense in relation to a person's life than to attempt to predict success based on test performance.

• The information of discovery is used only as a guide for matching and customization and may not used to systematically exclude a person from employment.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


• By implementing discovery, we try to identify the real complexities faced by the individual and attempt to negotiate and match employment that fits, rather than putting the burden of resolving complexities solely on the individual.

• The profile strategy seeks to empower and involve applicants, their families and friends rather than to exclude them. Natural, common sense approaches to employment are given priority over strategies which rely solely on professional judgment and service.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Need for Discovery

• Discovery is often assumed, we think “what we see is what they’ve got.”

• Information on an individual is often disjointed, different people have different parts of the “puzzle.”


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Need for Discovery

Complexity is like a fog, obscuring the best of who people are.– Discovery shows us the impact of life

complexity on work. – When we discover rather than presume

and diagnose, a useful description of a person starts to emerge.

– Discovery shows possibilities and leads to things a person is motivated to do rather than to fears, negativity and deficits.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery is…

• A process that involves getting to know people, or helping them get to know themselves, before we help them plan

• Spending time with applicants, instead of testing or evaluating them, as a means of finding out who they are

• The best way to find out the best that people have to offer

• A common-sense strategy to determine complexities and preferences


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery is…

• A way to identify the unique contributions offered by those who might not compete as well as others

• Enhanced when we get to know people in settings where they are most who they are

• Not a plan, but the foundation of employment planning, that seeks to customize outcomes

• Compatible with self-determination and customer choice


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery allows us to determine who the applicant is, their complexities, and potential contributions to employers.

Discovery Process

Responsibilities

Challenges

Transportation

Complexities

Hobbies

Skills

Interest Areas

Education

Self-Image


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Approaches to Discovery

Discovery can either be: 1. Facilitated by someone else,

typically an employment professional

Who is he?


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


2. Part of a group experience

These guys will

help me

discover

myself

It’s a two way street


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


3. Accomplished through “self-discovery”

Individuals can “paint” their own picture of who they are.

Who am I?


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


4. Supported through “Coached” Discovery

“Coach”

Involves assisting an individual through both self and group discovery

Self-discovery

Group discovery


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Let’s Experience Discovery: Ask your partner…

1) What skill do you have that most people don’t know about?

2) Where/when are you at your best?3) Where/when are you at your worst?4) Other than spouse/parents/partner/

kids, who would you like to give information about you?

5) What event(s) most shaped your life?


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery facts

• Average hours required for Discovery = 20 hours (range 16-24 hrs)

• Average time frame for Discovery = 4 weeks (range 3 – 6 wks)

• We recommend a team effort of 2 – 4 members while learning discovery


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

20 Steps to Successful Discovery

The following steps will provide you with a tool to organize the interactions necessary for discovery. We recommend that you use the Discovery Log as a data form to take you through the sequence of activities.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

1. Getting Started

Explain Customized Employment, Discovery process, and Vocational Profile to job seeker and family in an office/school environment.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

2. “Paperwork” aspects

Complete identification information from Profile Form as a part of Step 1, before visiting the home. Have family confirm that information is complete and accurate. Avoid sensitive aspects as necessary such as specific ages of family members.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

3. Outcome of process

Determine the outcome for this individual of the Discovery Process -- school based work experience, paid job experience, a job to be held long term, a volunteer position, etc.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

4. Scheduling initial visit to home

Schedule an initial meeting with job seeker and family at the job seeker’s home (or alternate location if family or job seeker is not comfortable inviting you to their home). This is a critical aspect of discovery and an explanation of “why” may be necessary.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Procedural note

While gathering information during Discovery, capture the person’s skills, contributions, and performance of job tasks we strongly recommend that you take observational/interview notes and digital pictures to assist in the development of a narrative or visual profile information and for their Representational Portfolio.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 5. Scoping out the neighborhood

Before or immediately after the visit to the job seeker’s home, tour the neighborhood and observe surroundings, safety, businesses, culture, transportation, services near the home, etc. Make a list of businesses near the individual’s home.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 6. First visit to the home

Meet with job seeker and family for 1-1 ½ hours in their home

• interview the job seeker and family about their routines

• ask about formal responsibilities, chores • inquire about community activities • if the job seeker is willing, have them show room

you their room• have them demonstrate how they do chores and

what they do for activities• observe interactions, living context, indications of

interests, current skills


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 7. Benefits discussion

Provide Social Security benefits information and explain a benefits analysis

• Ask if the individual receives SSI or SSDI.

• Ask about concerns, issues, questions about SSA benefits

• Ask if family would like you to schedule a benefits analysis


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 8. Interviewing persons who know the job seeker

Ask for names of individuals, both personal and professionals who the individual/family feels know the person the best.

With the job seeker’s permission and following the visit to the home, meet with and interview with these people (teachers, agency staff, counselors, other related services staff, friends, neighbors, etc.) to obtain more information about the job seeker’s interests, support needs, successful support strategies, and performance in various activities, as well as to identify connections.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 9. Observation of activities

From the information gathered, identify several typical life activities that the job seeker participates in successfully (at school, in a favorite community activity, church, a familiar store, etc.) and observe the job seeker as they engage in these activities to determine their performance, interests, connections and other important perspectives.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 10. Participation in familiar activity

Ask the individual and family to determine a context and an activity outside the home in which the individual is the most familiar and most competent. Accompany the individual as he/she participates in this activity to determine skills, relationships, supports, etc.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 11. Participation in a novel activity

Based on the job seeker’s interests, determine an unfamiliar activity that they haven’t tried before or a place they haven’t gone before and participate in this activity with them. Observe to obtain more information about support needs, reactions, attention to natural cues, etc.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 12. Return visits to home

Return to job seeker’s home for additional information, unstructured conversation, observation, and further interviews. 1 – 3 additional visits are recommended.

These return visits are often more informal and can be longer, if approved by the job seeker and family.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 13. Review of information

Review files, memorabilia and records of past and current activities services. Focus on files that reflect an optimistic, success-based perspective and avoid those that dwell on negatives. Seek out both professional and personal information for review, including old photos.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 14. Recording information

Record information obtained throughout Discovery in interview notes and observation notes as well as with digital photos. Be descriptive and positive in your note writing. Take notes following all discovery interactions. Gather all written information and notes, including records, prior to writing a profile.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 15. Determine format for Profile

Based upon the audience for the Profile determine if this information should be captured in a visual Profile, narrative profile or other format such as through discovery meeting notes, vignettes, etc.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 16. Develop the Profile

Develop a written, visual or alternative format profile of the job seeker following the format provided in the profile training. This activity should take from 3 – 5 hours.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 17. Disseminate Profile

Provide a copy of draft Vocational Profile or other format to job seeker and family for their review, suggestions and approval. Any Profile format must be approved by the job seeker/family prior to the Customized Planning Meeting.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 18. Schedule Planning Meeting

Schedule a Customized Planning Meeting with input and assistance from the job seeker/family within two weeks of the completion of the profile.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 19. Hold CE Planning Meeting

Hold a Customized Planning Meeting to develop a plan for job development. This meeting should be held between 1 - 2 weeks after Discovery and Profile are completed.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Step 20. Develop a Portfolio

Develop a representational portfolio for the job seeker using visual and narrative information developed during discovery and the Customized Planning Meeting.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Meet Andrew in High School

Andy was a typical young person with a disability


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The School’s view of Andy

At eighteen years old, he was still viewed as a young child who was not “ready” to enter into a life as an employed adult


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Testing results…

• “able to remain focused for approx. 30 minutes”

• “he would say ‘too hard’ and cease work’

• Reading Comp: 1.6 grade level

• SRA non-verbal reasoning test: 4th percentile

• Minn. Clerical test: 1st percentile, timed & un-timed

• WREST: “very poor range in all areas

• Productivity rate 6%• On work samples:

“accuracy improved very slowly with practice and constant one-one supervision”


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The negative impression of testing

“Relative to all work samples administered, it appeared that Mr. Cosel’s performance was best when tasks involved no more than one or two steps.”

“Due to Mr. Cosel’s very low level of productivity and his need for constant supervision, traditional employment is not feasible at this time. Training and education which enables him to practice simple manual skills such as packaging and sorting should be explored in the future.”


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Beyond the Presumptions of Evaluation

In order to find an optimistic path towards employment, in light of poor test performance and low expectations, it was necessary to get to know Andy much more deeply than who he seemed to be those who knew him professionally.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery provided a new picture of Andy


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

New dimensions of his personality, skills and interests

His pastime activities gave us insight into skills that the tests did not identify


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Andy’s hobbies and interests gave perspective to his overall character

From Computers

To musical interests…


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Getting personal

From bathing…

To toileting accommodations


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Family and friends


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Marc Gold & Associates4101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102, Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Support from his service dog


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Employment experiences

Delivering cash receipts

Assisting warehouse personnel


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Importance of Discovery

Facilitated Discovery provided a clear, alternative picture of Andy. It provided sufficient information and direction to develop a plan for customized job development.

Andy started work at teaching hospital at SUNY Stoney Brook on Long Island after job development by his family.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Andy is responsible for delivery of data processing information to 82 departs. within the hospital


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Still working…

Andy is still working today, fifteen years later.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

And still painting…


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The tools of Facilitated Discovery

The tools of facilitated discovery can be intuitive and informal, but they are also the time-honored tools of qualitative researchers: interview and conversation, observation and time together, review of existing information and organization of newly discovered information.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Strategies for Facilitated Discovery

• Conversation

• Interview

• Time together

• Observation

• Participation with the applicant in activities both familiar and novel

• Finally, Review of records


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Additional Strategies for Facilitated Discovery

When above strategies are not sufficient:

• Structured situational assessments or discrepancy analyses

• Targeted evaluations to answer specific questions


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

When to do Discovery

• During Typical Activities of LifeThis aspect comprises the majority of discovery

interactions. Just be there.

• During Planned Familiar ActivitiesThis aspect is done once or twice during

discovery in places where the individual is at his/her best.

• During Planned Novel ActivitiesThis activity is done once during discovery.

Make sure the novel activity makes sense.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

When to do discovery

General interactions: Discovery is possible during general, non-focused time spent with a targeted individual. This is often done as part of a non-related, group activity such as during classroom activities for teachers or unscheduled time for adult staff or family members.

Facilitators need strategies to do this approach effectively. We recommend using the concepts of remarkable moments and intentional moments.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


Scheduled Interactions: In most instances facilitated discovery is conducted through a series of planned interactions with the individual and others with positive and useful information.

These interactions include visits to the individual’s home, conversational interviews, participation in activities, planned and informal and observations.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999


Focused Group interactions: Discovery can occur within intentional times involving a group of individuals who are focusing on discovery as a topic. People can work individually or as part of a participatory activity to develop information.

Facilitators should observe and take notes of the outcomes of the activities as well as collect samples of the individuals’ work.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Remarkable moments

Remarkable moments refer to the strategy of focusing on those aspects of the individual of concern’s performance/behavior that are felt to be of sufficient significance to merit our descriptive remarks.

In this way, facilitators who do not have dedicated time for discovery can find these moments of time to write up the description of the behavior/performance.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Intentional moments

Intentional moments refer to the strategy of planning for a specific time in the near future for a focus on discovery and descriptive writing, regardless of whether the performance is “remarkable”.

We recommend that a 2 – 4 minute focus period be planned for discovery purposes. Facilitators should plan for this observation during times when the individual is likely to be engaged in performance activity.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Recalling what you’ve discovered

• Prepare for the Discovery interaction

• Stay focused during the interaction

• If you need to take notes, ask for permission

• Use words, phrases or photos

• Before you drive, take notes in your car

• Use the Profile outline

• Avoid using audio tapes or video cameras

• Don’t wait too long


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Notes for Interview: A format

Job Seeker: ______________________________ Date: __________________Location: ______________________ Facilitator: __________________Respondent:______________________________

Notes (Clue words, phrases, quotes, etc.) Future Action

“I’m a morning person.”

Jammin’ Java

Drives his own car

Takes from 1 hr. to 1 ½ hrs. to prepare for the day with personal assistant

Need to observe Tim transferring into and driving car.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Beyond Asking

Asking works for some of the people some of the time. But…– Different people ask and get different answers.– People often tell us what they think we want to

hear.– The same person can ask at different times and

get different answers.– Too often, people simply do not have an accurate,

thoughtful sound bite with which to answer such a question as important as “What do you want to do?”.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Rule of Thumb for Asking

It’s more important to look at what people do than it is to simply follow what they say.

Of course, we always listen, but it’s necessary to get well beyond listening to verbal answers, into people’s lives.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Observation strategies

There are basically two kinds of observation:

Observation from a position removed from an activity.

Observation from within an activity.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Observation Strategies when Removed from Activity

• Always ask for permission of the individual and others in the setting

• Introduce and explain yourself• Offer to share you notes• Focus on an array of actions: task

performance, social interactions, subtleties, best dimensions


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Observation Strategies within Activity

• Try to remember what you see• Take notes afterwards• Offer the individual the “lead”, subtly• Use an “asking” conversational style• Let the individual speak• Wait for the person, allow periods of

silence• Notice small things while you

participate


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Observational notes

The following excerpt represents an example of descriptive observation notes:

Megan sat at her desk and matched felt letters to printed letters/words on a poster sheet. There were about 20 words on the sheet. Megan placed the felt letters on the corresponding printed letters in a random manner. When her teacher cued her to start at the beginning of a specific word, Megan looked at the printed letter, scanned the felt letters and picked up and placed the corresponding felt letters on each subsequent printed letter until all printed words were covered.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Observational notesThe following represents an example of

observation notes in an inclusive classroom:

In Arts and Humanities class, Mathew sat at his desk, without talking, as the teacher lectured on musical forms. He leafed through his handout papers as the teacher spoke, occasionally glancing around the room at others. Mathew raised his hand while the teacher continued lecturing on Romance Music. He kept his hand up and behind his head until called on. He asked if there was Jazz and Rock ‘n Roll during that time. The teacher said, “That music didn’t happen for another 50 or 60 years.”


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Features of task observation:

• Motivation indicated• Supports offered/used• General Performance: Pace,

correctness, consistency, stamina• Specific Tasks: what is it, does

general performance vary with tasks• Connections• Concerns


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Strategies for Reviewing Records

• Get to know the person first • Look for the positive aspects of records• Be skeptical of the record rather than

the individual• Look for possible solutions to

complexities• Follow up with interview of individuals

who seem hopeful in their writing


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The “Who” of Discovery

• The person of concern

• Their family and loved ones

• Close and trusted friends

• Neighbors with good relationships

• Professionals who care– Counselors– Teachers– Case managers– Service providers


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The “Where” of Discovery

• Home/Living Context: Discovery starts where relationships start – where we live

• Neighborhood• Local Community

• Ethnic group/peer group

• School• One-stop center• Church• Places where the

person is “most who they are”


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

The “What” of Discovery:Identifying the best aspects of the person

• Routines• Relationships• Responsibilities• Challenges• Associations• Friendships• Shops and Services

• Tasks• Solutions• Connections• Education• Location• Life performance• Community

inventory


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Discovery Reflections

Before we wrap up our discussions on Discovery, let’s reflect on how this process led us to customized employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We discovered that Jenni enjoyed opening Christmas presents. This lead us to her first job.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We learned that Sal enjoyed people and made them comfortable, even with his technology and his significant disability


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

James loved live-action cop shows and he has a unique skill for organizing materials


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We learned that Marci was “present” when her body was still and that she was still when hearing music.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We discovered Larry waited for the mailman every day at three o’clock…


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We learned that Glen and Otto insisted on working together. We also learned that Glen was “addicted” to afternoon Soap Operas and that Otto rarely awoke before 11:00 AM


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We discovered Katherine made and served coffee at all family gatherings…


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We discovered the men in Robert’s family were all woodworkers…


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

We discovered that Kevin had always dreamed of being a club DJ…


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Elizabeth always carried a book around. It made her feel she was part of her professionally oriented family.


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Buddy and his sister wanted to work in the convent


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Anna loved her camera, always taking pictures that were perfectly centered


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Caloah always dreamed of being a nurse


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Phyliss wanted to work where her friends worked, in a hospital dietary department


Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999

Let’s all go do Discovery!

4101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102 Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999 Marc Gold & Associates©1...

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