an introduction to vocational rehabilitation for educators
DESCRIPTION
An Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation for Educators. June , 2014 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. That was then, this is now…. Today’s Goal: 5Ws & H of VR. WHO is VR / WHO do we serve? WHAT is VR? WHEN to access VR services? WHERE is VR? WHY partner with VR? - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
An Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation
for Educators
June , 2014 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
That was then, this is now…
WHO is VR / WHO do we serve? WHAT is VR? WHEN to access VR services? WHERE is VR? WHY partner with VR? HOW to make the partnership happen.
ULTIMATE GOAL: EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES
Today’s Goal: 5Ws & H of VR
Mission“To assist Oregonians with disabilities
to achieve and maintain employment and independence.”
We believe individuals that experience disabilities are:
-Motivated to work-Capable, talented, and can achieve on par with their peers-Deserve the opportunity to achieve their potential-Have skills that are needed in the world of work
WHO is VR?
Historical Perspective: The Disability Rights Movement resulted in the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.
Amendments in the 1990s increased the role of the consumer. This increased consumer choice and resulted in better options for high quality jobs.
Today, Executive Order is fostering better partnerships with ODDS, ODE, and VR for coordinated team approach to transitioning students experiencing disability.
WHO is VR?
Who are Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors? Counselors have extensive knowledge in community resources and
available workforce programs
Counselors have expertise in and know what disability accommodations are necessary for a particular client. They can help match jobs to a clients specific skill set.
Counselors help clients to determine what a “reasonable accommodation might be and how to ask for it.
Counselors can act as part of a transition team to help determine a job goal and steps required to get there.
WHO is VR?
Individuals experiencing a documented disability
The disability is a barrier to employment
There is a service VR can provide to address barrier
The individual wants to work
WHO does VR serve?
WHAT VR Does?
Eligible
Documented disability
Disability related barriers to
employmentare identified
VR services expected to
reduce/eliminate barriers
WHAT VR Does?
APPLICATION
• Meet with a VR Counselor (VRC) for an intake appointment
• Give your VRC your completed Personal Information form
• Discuss your disability and problems with getting or keeping jobs
• Sign an application and other forms to open a VR file & send for records
ELIGIBILITY
• Work with your VRC to discuss & evaluate your barriers to employment
• Assess your unique interests, needs, capacities & concerns to develop a realistic and achievable job goal
• Explore the labor market (if not currently working)--narrow your choices for a job goal
PLAN
• Identify a Job Goal to get or keep a job
• Work with your VRC to determine what services will be needed to achieve the goal
• Develop a written Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to get or keep the job
• Follow your IPE until you’ve obtained or maintained your job goal
EMPLOYMENT (Closure)
• Found or kept a job!
• Maintained employment for 90 days!
• SUCESSFULLY REHABILITATED!
• VR file closed
From IEP to IPEStudent + IEP = Path to Graduation
Student + IPE = Path to Employment
VR will become part of the student’s team to assist in building upon the work that the student and school
have done.
Build on identified PINS --Preferences, Interests, Needs, Strengths--
WHAT VR does?
…All services based on student’s VR EligibilityEmployment Services and supports can remove barriers so a student can meet his/her job goal Counseling and Guidance
Assist with understanding barriers to employment, with a focus on disability related barriers, and personal strengths/attributes
Job Accommodations Training Job Development Job Coaching/Support
WHAT VR Does?
Student has an interest in gaining employment
Student’s disability appears to have the potential to impact employment success
At least 1 year prior to the student exiting the school system (hopefully school staff and VR are discussing case loads on a regular base)Note: VR Counselors can come to the school but it is helpful to have at least a month notice
Student is connected, if applicable, with County Developmental Disability Services and/or Brokerage (intending to seek employment)
WHEN to Access VR?
WHEN to Access VR?
WHERE is VR?
14 VR branch offices statewide Many offices
have multiple outstations
123 VR counselors statewide 12 counselors
serve Lane County
Metro Area Branches:
Beaverton – 503/277-2500 Clackamas - 971/673-6130 Central Portland – 971/673-2555 East Portland – 971/673-5858 North Portland – 971/673-3055
We can come to you.
WHERE is VR?
WHY Partner with VR?
Opportunities for employment, training, and education during this time can establish a foundation for adult income and occupational achievement.
Without careful planning and supports, individuals might be tracked into low paying or unsatisfying jobs, or no jobs at all.Lack of opportunities for advancementLack of motivation for advancement
WHY Partner with VR?
Young adults with disabilities in their early career years are more likely to be:– Unemployed– Underemployed– Living below the
poverty line
0%20%40%
31%18%
Percentage of individuals between 18-34 years old earning wages that placed them below the federal poverty line.
(U.S. Census Bureau, 2010)
WHY Partner with VR?
Limited knowledge/awareness potential job opportunities & career paths Lack of exposure to work experiences
• Job Shadowing• Mentorships
Higher Annual Income Stable
Employment Full Time Work
• Cooperative Education• School-Based Businesses• Work Based Internships
Higher Hourly Wages
Likelihoods of Benefits
Team Approach = Better Employment Outcomes
VR is a lifelong resource for student employment needs related to disability barriers
Teachers have a rich history and knowledge that is invaluable to VR counselors
Benefits Planning
WHY Partner with VR?
The students and families need your help to connect with adult service agencies such as VR
We (Schools, VR, Brokerages, County Development Disability Services) can partner with students to provide help in them reaching their goals
Transition goals can be meaningful United front Benefits of a team approach
WHY Partner with VR?
Facilitate referral to VR Identify Students who many benefit Connect Student to YTP specialist and/or VR
Counselor
HOW to Partner with VR
Intake Session Overview What to expect Who to invite Timelines Eligibility criteria
Medical Diagnosis vs. School Eligibility
HOW to Partner with VR
Before the referral: Career Exploration & Person Centered Plans Career Goal Development Real Life Skill Building Work Experiences
Job Interest InventoriesJob ShadowsInformational Interviews
HOW to Partner with VR
School PartnershipLocal Teacher : VRC Connection, Set up meeting
for all Special Ed providers, Meeting for Parents and Students, facilitated individual intake sessions at school, ongoing collaboration
Example of partnership
HOW to Partner with VR
That was then, this is now…
Questions?