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Project SEARCH: Lessons Learned and Sustainability2009 MIG Employment Summit

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Key ConceptsKey Concepts• Collaboration • Braided funding • Training in real work settings• Immersion and impact• Meet the needs of business• High Expectations-people with

disabilities can perform complex, systematic jobs

• Goal of employment

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Transition ModelTransition Model• One-year program• 8-12 students• Students with significant disabilities• Last year of HS eligibility/exit year• Rotation through unpaid internships

with continual feedback• Outcome of employment

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Key PartnersKey Partners School: Full time on-site Teacher• Recruitment/Selection• Job-based curriculum• Rotation development, job analysis/training

Provider: 1+ On-site Job Coach• Recruitment/Selection• Transportation training, rotation development, job

analysis/training, job accommodations and modifications • Readily available to the business, on-site, provides follow

along

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Key Partners ContinuedKey Partners ContinuedBusiness: Liaison (Employee of the Business)• Recruitment of Managers/Departments • Liaison for all business-related tasks (badges,

applications, meeting space, etc.)• Close communication with team; monthly team

meetings

Vocational Rehabilitation: VR Counselor Liaison• Recruitment/Selection• Manage Caseload • Authorize for necessary services (benefits planning,

accommodations, uniform, job placement, etc.)

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55thth Partner PartnerStatewide Project SEARCH Coordinator• Unique to Indiana

• Holds Licensing Agreement and acts as a single point of contact with Project SEARCH national

• Ensures quality, integrity and compliance with Project SEARCH standards & statewide consistency

• Provides broad-based, on-going training and technical assistance to sites

• Will collect and analyze measurable and anecdotal data for outcome evaluation

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Funding for SEARCHFunding for SEARCHMIG Funding• Statewide Coordinator; Training, TA, QA, Evaluation• $7500 Start-up for each new site

School Funding• FT Teacher and back-up staff• Transportation, Lunches, Classroom Supplies

VR Funding• Funds Provider under Results-Based Funding (RBF) • Funds additional services as necessary (BIN, accommodations, uniform, etc.)

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VR RBF for SEARCHVR RBF for SEARCH6 milestone payments1. Selection and Orientation $15002. 1st Internship $10003. 2nd Internship $10004. 3rd Internship $10005. Job placement $15006. Stabilization/Successful Closure $3000 TOTAL $9000

*Transfer to Supported Employment Follow Along

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Project SEARCH Indiana Roll-Project SEARCH Indiana Roll-outout

√ Feb 2008: Pilot Site with 5 students operated under VR grant

√ Fall 08: 3 Sites Operating with 8-12 students each

√ Spring 09: 2 hires at Intern sites• Fall 09: 6-8 Sites Operating (1-2 Adult model)• Fall 10: 10 Sites Operating • Long-term goals: viable Project SEARCH sites

throughout the state; exploration of an adult model; examination of its adaptability other business settings and to rural settings

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Benefits of Project Benefits of Project SEARCHSEARCH

• Focus on preparation for employment; transferable skills that lead to good paying jobs

• Intense level of supervision and feedback from education, rehabilitation and business

• Career exploration and work experience • Benefits Business and Consumer• Shows Business that people with disabilities

are valuable employees• Sustainable Model

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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned• Site and state-specific adaptations• Adequate planning w/ partners is critical• Everyone understanding each other’s roles• Identification of internships ongoing—know

capacity • Non-school transportation • Behaviors /maturity of students• Maintaining high expectations for ALL• Keeping SEARCH just one of an array of options• *GO SLOW; It’s extremely important to take

time to build relationships and ensure buy-in from all partners before starting. WE ARE STILL LEARNING

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Contact InformationContact Information

Theresa.Koleszar@fssa.in.gov

Theresa Koleszar MS, CRCDirector of Program Support

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services402 W. Washington St. Rm W453, MS-20

Indianapolis, In 46204317-232-1432