Transition toward Excellence Achievement & Mobility:

An Overview of the TEAM Legislation

Alliance for Full Participation

18 November 2011

Serena Lowe, Executive Director

Collaboration to Promote Self Determination

What is the CPSD?

The Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination

(CPSD) seeks to promote opportunities and

eliminate barriers to working and saving while

ensuring the preservation of long-term supports

necessary to achieving optimal self-sufficiency,

independence, and economic security.

Equality Choice Competence

Dignity of Risk Equity

CPSD’s Value Framework

Education Workplace Home Community

What is True Integration?

MEANINGFUL INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

To establish a coordinated, comprehensive approach to the investment of public resources that expands and improves the opportunities for youth with significant disabilities who are transitioning into adulthood, to en sure meaningful postsecondary educational opportunities, employment in integrated settings at a competitive wage, long-term career development and growth, and inclusion in the community setting through independent living and social engagement, and for other purposes.

TEAM Legislation: Purpose

Expanded Focus & Implementation of Transition Strategies under IDEA

Development of an Adult Transition Services division under the auspice of each state’s I/DD Services Authority

National Systemic Reform focused on improving outcomes related to integrated employment and post-secondary education.

State Systems-Change to Ensure coordination of resources across multiple agencies

Professional Development & Training

TEAM Act: Key Objectives

TEAM-Employment Act: Promotion of Systems-Change through National Transition Initiative for Youth with Significant Disabilities

Systemic Reform & Capacity Building Grants Transition outcomes focused on integrated employment, post-secondary education and economic advancement

TEAM-Empowerment Act: Creation of Transition Infrastructure within I/DD State SystemEstablish Transition capacity

in state I/DD agencies

Require Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) for

citizens with I/DD

Provide transition brokers to facilitate ITP process and

support individual & families

Require MOUs between state I/DD agency and other state partners to coordinate

TEAM-Education Act: Reforms to Current IEP Process & Transition during School YearsElevate Transition

Measures in IDEA-2004

Enhance IEP Process by including state I/DD

agencies

Allow IDEA $$$ to be used for contracting transition

services

Provide grant funding to hire internal Transition Coordinators @ LEAs

Transition toward Excellence, Achievement & Mobility

TEAM

Allows Part B Funds to be used to Contract out the Provision of Transition Services by an LEA

State block grants to fund the Creation of Transition Coordinators

Clarifies introduction of transition services from age 14 on into IEP

Must include services in conjunction with each of the 5 Guideposts to Success

Invitation of State I/DD State Services Authority to participate in IEP process from 14 on

TEAM-Education Act (H.R. 602): IDEA Reform

Mandates the creation of a transition services unit within each State I/DD Services Authority

Requires state I/DD Authority to manage the successful development and completion of a young adult’s Individual Transition Plan (thus taking the place of the IEP) once the student exits the school system

Allows I/DD beneficiaries to select a transition broker to help navigate the various adult services programs in order to help the individual and their family successful accomplish the objectives of the ITP.

TEAM-Empowerment Act (H.R. 603): I/DD Services

Provides grants to states to implement effective transition strategies that lead to integrated employment at livable wages and/or participation in a post-secondary education program.

State VR Department must partner with I/DD Authorities, State Education Agency (SEA), Workforce Investment Board, and State Medicaid Agency to receive grant.

Key themes of emphasis mirror Title III Self-direction through individual budgeting Blending and braiding of public resources Outcomes aimed at full integration (education, employment and

community living) Senate WIA Reauthorization draft included similar systems-

change initiative

TEAM-Employment Act (H.R. 604): VR Systems-Change Grants

Promoting Employment First Principles through systems-coordination at various levels of government (reaching all major touch points in the transition process)

Key themes of emphasis Self-direction through individual budgeting Blending and braiding of public resources Outcomes aimed at full integration (education, employment

and community living)

Three Bills, One Singular Focus: National Systemic Reform

Legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 10, 2011 Congressional Briefing hosted by CPSD in March 2011 with 82

participants Cosponsors (9-10): Reps. Gregg Harper (R-MS), Cathy McMorris Rodgers

(R-WA), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Eliot Engel (NY), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), and Gerry Connelly (VA)

Discussions underway about moving at least one of the three bills through legislative process in 112th Congress.

Working on solidifying Senate champions for companion bill.

Over 25 national organizations in support of the legislation to date.

TEAM Political Strategy: Legislative Momentum

THANK YOU

For more information:Serena Lowe, Executive Director

Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination202-548-2502 (Office) EWOLANERES@gmail.com