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

jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov 608-261-7528

• Nancy Molfenter, Coach/Trainernancym_wiapse@earthlink.net608-220-4524

• Shannon Munn, Coach/Trainershannon@incontrolwisconsin.org

www.letsgettoworkwi.org