Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

2015 Transition Summer Pilot Programs

Sandra Miller, Transition Coordinatorsandra.j.miller@state.de.us

dvr.delawareworks.com

Statewide DVR Transition Team

Planning and Implementing Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS)

VR Administration Transition Coordinator Social Service Administrator,

Transition Services (2) VR Transition Counselors (8) VR Transition Assistants (4)

Planning for Pre-Employment Transition Services

Took inventory of what we were already doing DVR Leadership discussion (March 2015) DVR published a Request for Proposal for a Summer Pilot

Program (April 2015) Provide summer training and employment services to

students with disabilities ages 14- 21

The Pilot Program Model

Using a Summer Pilot Program Model to Offer Pre-Employment Transition Services

To provide transition students an opportunity to:i. learn about and explore different career choicesii. discover their strengths and interests that can be applied

to a career iii. Identify appropriate career pathways iv. job shadow and perform internships in different career

fieldsv. acquire financial literacy skills and independent living skills

The Pilot Program Model

Using a Summer Pilot Program Model to Offer Pre-Employment Transition Services

Goals and Objectives i. Career exploration activities. Examples include job

shadowing; workplace site visits; interest and/or career inventories; exploration of relevant career fields and potential jobs; and learning about Delaware’s economy and career opportunities

ii. Work-based learning experiences. Examples include work opportunities; paid or unpaid internships; summer employment provided in an integrated environment

The Pilot Program Model

Using a Summer Pilot Program Model to Offer Pre-Employment Transition Services (Continued)

Goals and Objectives (Continued) iii. Community-based workplace readiness training to develop

interpersonal skills, leadership development, and independent living skills. Examples include managing disclosure and requesting accommodations; instruction in self-advocacy and transportation training

iv. College preparation and planning services- College readiness training to develop social and independent living skills; increase success rate and retention of students with disabilities; improve students’ potential for successful post-secondary experiences

Our Request for Proposal Process

An RFP was put out to our community partners Meeting was held with potential providers 14 proposals received, 11 contracts awarded Implementation (June – September 2015)

The Pilot Program Model

The Pilot Program Model

Program Categories

Training (customer service, hospitality, culinary arts and urban gardening and workplace readiness)

Career exploration and preparation College preparation and experience Work based learning (paid and unpaid) Three programs were offered to incarcerated youth (workplace

readiness, culinary arts) One program specifically for students at the

School for the Deaf

Summer Pilot Programs

Program Highlights

Anton Associates Customer Service Career Enhancement Summer Campi. Dover Downs Hotel and Casino (customer service and

hospitality) ii. 14 youth, ages 15-18iii. Customer service training (40 hours) and paid job

shadow experience (8 hours) iv. Governor Markell spoke at graduation

Anton Associates

Former Anton Associates student Camille Brown addresses the class regarding the importance about always doing one’s best, teamwork, and how customer service skills are essential to personal growth.

Anton Associates - Graduation

DVR Director Andrea Guest addresses audience.

Governor Jack Markell converses with students. Graduation with

Governor Jack Markell

Summer Pilot Programs

Program Highlights (continued)

University of Delaware Edge Programi. 5 week residential program, inclusive college prep

experienceii. 4 students, rising juniors and seniorsiii. Specialized coaching and instruction iv. Develop critical executive functioning and self-advocacy

skills while living, learning and participating alongside their typical-developing peers

Summer Pilot Programs

Program Highlights (continued)

Easter Seals Peer Mentoring and Internship Programi. 15 students, ages 18-21 ii. 6 week paid summer internship, 12-15 hours per week

iii. On-site job coaching and 1:1 peer mentoring supportsiv. Close collaboration with student’s IEP team

Easter Seals

Summer Pilot Programs

Program Highlights (continued)

Hospitality School Culinary Arts Summer Campi. Career exploration and job shadowing in Culinary Arts

and Urban Gardeningii. 20 students, ages 14-21 iii. Obtained ServSafe certificate

The Hospitality School

Future Chefs of America!

The Pilot Program Model

Plans for 2016

Start the process earlierExpand to include more opportunities

i. Delaware Technical Community College Create opportunities for school year programing Improve data and information collection

Anton Associates - Graduation

Graduation Photo with the Governor