Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work Project
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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 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work Project
Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work Project
WSTI Transition AcademyNovember 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
[email protected] 608-261-7528
• Nancy Molfenter, Coach/[email protected]
• Shannon Munn, Coach/[email protected]
www.letsgettoworkwi.org
