Guideposts for Success &

Resources for Serving Youth

2011 Training Series (April 14, 2011)

Hosted/Facilitated by: Laura Gleneck

Presented by: Curtis Richards and Mindy Larson National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth

At a minimum, DEI Projects were required to select at least two service delivery components as a primary focus of grant implementation to serve the youth or adult population.◦ Guideposts, as a service delivery component, was selected by

three of the nine DEI projects.◦ The DEI solicitation states that selection of a focus on adults or

youth "must not preclude the provision of services to all individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, who are accessing the workforce system.”

Training and Technical Assistance to DEI Projects on understanding and implementing the Guideposts is provided under U.S. DOLETA contract with NDI Consulting, Inc. and the National Disability Institute (NDI).

Evaluation of the impact of the DEI Projects implementation and outcomes of Guideposts will be provided under U.S. DOL ODEP contract with Social Dynamics.

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Upon completion of this webinar, DEI Project staff will:

Understand how the Guideposts represent a comprehensive framework for addressing the needs of youth, including youth with disabilities

Have a clear picture of strategies for serving youth, including youth with disabilities and other challenges

Know where to go for support (information, tools and resources) and expertise on serving youth with disabilities and other challenges within the workforce system

Guideposts and Resources for Guideposts and Resources for Serving YouthServing Youth

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

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Overview of the National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)

Addressing the Needs of Youth in Transition◦ Introduction to the Guideposts for Success◦ Youth with Disabilities◦ Five Guidepost Areas

Resources for Serving Youth◦ NCWD/Youth Resources

DRC Role: Serving Youth with Disabilities

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Overview of the National Overview of the National Collaborative on Workforce & Collaborative on Workforce &

Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)

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In our 10th Year◦ ODEP Funded

Assists state & local workforce development systems to integrate youth with disabilities into their service strategies.

Aims to:◦ Improve state & local policy◦ Strengthen workforce development service delivery◦ Improve knowledge, skills, & abilities of youth service

professionals

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Center for Workforce Development Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL)

National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)

PACER Center

Center on Education and Work University of Wisconsin- Madison

Institute for Community Integration University of Minnesota

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Partnership Plus

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What ALL youth need to transition to adulthood successfully

What additional support, services, and opportunities youth with disabilities need

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Youth with disabilities have poor outcomes: School dropout rates (3 times more likely) College rates (Half as likely) Adjudication rates (4 times as likely) Poverty (3 times more likely) Unemployment rate (70% and holding)

Lots of Good Activities But no real system

Focus on Youth

Transition is an Awkward Period of Life

The Stubborn DilemmaThe Stubborn Dilemma

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High Expectations

Inclusion, Integration & Full Participation

Work, Self-Sufficiency & Independent Living

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Partnership Plus

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School-Based Preparatory Experiences

Career Preparation & Work-Based Learning

Experiences

Youth Development & Leadership

Connecting Activities

Family Involvement & Supports

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All Youth Need:

◦Academic programs based on clear standards

◦Career & technical education programs based on professional/industry standards

◦Small & safe learning environments

◦Support from highly qualified staff

◦Graduation standards that include options

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In addition, youth with disabilities need:◦To use individual transition plans to drive personal

instruction

◦To develop knowledge of reasonable accommodations they can request & control in educational settings

◦To access specific & individual learning accommodations while in school

◦To be supported by highly qualified transitional support staff that may or may not be school staff

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All Youth Need:◦Career inventories to learn about their skills, interests

& career options◦Career exploration activities including site visits, guest

speakers, job shadowing; includes learning about education/ training entry requirements & earning potential/benefits

◦Opportunities to practice through work experiences i.e. internships, community service work, part-time jobs

◦Soft skills training to gain job-seeking & workplace basic skills

Career Preparation & Career Preparation & Work-based Learning ExperiencesWork-based Learning Experiences

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In addition, youth with disabilities need:

◦To understand benefits planning

◦To learn to communicate their disability-related work support and accommodation needs

◦To learn to find, formally request, & secure supports and accommodations

Career Preparation & Career Preparation & Work-based Learning ExperiencesWork-based Learning Experiences

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All Youth Need:◦Mentoring activities designed to establish strong

relationships with adults◦Peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities◦Exposure to role models in a variety of contexts◦Training in skills such as self-advocacy, self

determination, conflict resolution◦Exposure to personal leadership & youth development

activities, including community service◦Opportunities to lead & build self esteem

Youth Development & Youth Development & Leadership OpportunitiesLeadership Opportunities

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In addition, youth with disabilities need:

◦Mentors & role models including people with & without disabilities

◦An understanding of disability history, culture, & disability public policy issues as well as their rights & responsibilities

Youth Development & Youth Development & Leadership OpportunitiesLeadership Opportunities

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All Youth Need:

◦Mental & physical health services◦Transportation & housing◦Tutoring◦Financial planning & management◦Post-program supports through structures

arrangements with postsecondary institutions & adult service agencies

◦Connection to other services & opportunities (recreation, sports, faith-based organizations)

Connecting ActivitiesConnecting Activities

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In addition, youth with disabilities need:

◦Acquisition of appropriate assistive technologies◦Community orientation & mobility/ travel training◦Exposure to post-program supports such as

independent living centers & other consumer drive community-based support service agencies

◦Personal assistance services, including attendants, readers, interpreters, and others

◦Benefits-planning counseling

Connecting ActivitiesConnecting Activities

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All youth need families & caring adults who have:

◦High expectations that build upon the young person’s strengths & interests

◦Been involved in their lives & are assisting them toward adulthood

◦Access to information about employment, further education, & community resources

◦Taken an active role in transition planning with schools & community partners

◦Access to medical, professional, & peer support networks

Family Involvement & SupportsFamily Involvement & Supports

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In addition, youth with disabilities need families & caring adults who have:

◦An understanding of their youth’s disability and how it affects his or her education, employment, and daily living

◦Knowledge of rights and responsibilities under various disability-related legislation

◦Knowledge of and access to programs, services, supports, and accommodations available

◦An understanding of how individualized planning tools can assist youth in achieving transition goals

Family Involvement & SupportsFamily Involvement & Supports

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In work with youth with disabilities and service practitioners use the Guideposts in developing any individualized plans such as:

◦ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs),

◦ Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE), and

◦Service strategies as required by the Workforce Investment Act.

Using the GuidepostsUsing the Guideposts

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Partnership Plus

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Guideposts for Success

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts

Guideposts for Success for Serving Specific Populations

  Youth in Foster Care

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts/foster-care

  GUIDE - Negotiating the Curves Toward

Employment: A Guide About Youth Involved in the Foster Care Systemhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/negotiating-the-curves-toward-employment

Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving Youth

Guideposts for Success for Serving Specific Populations

  Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections System

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts/juvenile-justice GUIDE – Making the Right Turn: A Guide About Improving

Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections Systemhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/juvenile-justice-guide

INFO BRIEF - Improving Transition Outcomesfor Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System: Practical Considerationshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-25

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Guideposts for Success for Serving Specific Populations

  Youth with Mental Health Needs

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts/mental-health 

GUIDE - Tunnels and Cliffs: A Guide for Workforce Development Professionals and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/tunnels-and-cliffs

INFO BRIEF- Helping Youth with Mental Health Needs Avoid Transition Cliffs: Lessons from Pioneering Transition Programshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-24

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Guideposts for Success for Serving Specific Populations  Youth with Mental Health Needs, cont.

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts/mental-health 

INFO BRIEF- Successful Transition Models for Youth with Mental Health Needs: A Guide for Workforce Professionalshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-23

CASE STUDIES - Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Needs to Meaningful Employment and Independent Livinghttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/white-paper/transitioning-youth-with-mental-health-needs

Pioneering Transition Programs: The Establishment of

Programs that Span the Ages Served by Child and Adult Mental Healthhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/assets/reports/pioneering_transition_programs_3.pdf

 

Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving Youth

Guideposts for Success for Serving Specific Populations

Youth with Learning Disabilities

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts/learning-disabilities

GUIDE - Charting the Course: Supporting the Career Development of Youth with Learning Disabilitieshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/ld-guide

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Guideposts for Success for Engaging Employers

Guideposts for Employer Successhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/guideposts/employers What system designers (state and local) need to do. What individual programs need to do, including education &

training institutions, community rehabilitation centers, secondary & post secondary institutions, apprenticeship programs, & One-Stop Career Centers

 

INFO BRIEF-Facilitating Employer Engagement Among WIB Partners: A Role For Intermediarieshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-17

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Youth Assessment

Career Planning Begins with Assessment:

A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with

Educational and Career Development Challenges

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/career-planning-begins-with-assessment

INFO BRIEF- Vocational Assessment and

Its Role in Career Planning

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-20

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Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving Youth

Disability Disclosure

INFO BRIEF - Disability Inquires in

the Workforce Development System

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-09

The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook

for Youth with Disabilities

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure

Cyber Disclosure Workbook for Youth with Disabilitieshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/cyber-disclosure

 

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Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving Youth

Disability Disclosure

The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Families, Educators, Youth Service Professionals, & Adult Allies Who Care About Youth with Disabilitieshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure-for-adults

  

INFO BRIEF- Youth & Disability Disclosure: The Role of Families & Advocateshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-21

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Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving YouthCross-System Collaboration

Making the Connection: Growing & Supporting New Organizations – Intermediarieshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/white-paper/making-the-connections

◦ This paper describes how a new organizational strategy - intermediaries - can link the supply and demand sides of workforce development.

◦ By aligning and brokering multiple services across institutional and funding sources, intermediary organizations can play an important role in improving employment outcomes for youth with disabilities.

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Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving YouthCross-System Collaboration

INFO BRIEF- Blending and Braiding Funds and Resources: The Intermediary as Facilitatorhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-18 How intermediary organizations can facilitate the blending &

braiding of funds & resources to encourage cross-systems collaboration to improve educational & employment outcomes for all youth, including YwD.

Strategies states can use to support local communities in the “blending” and “braiding” of resources.

Outlines how cross-systems collaboration & alternative funding strategies can be facilitated by intermediary organizations.

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Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving Youth

Professional Development INFO BRIEF-The Workforce Development System & the Professional

Development of Youth Service Professionals: Why Professional Development?http://www.ncwd-youth.info/information-brief-19

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) of Youth Service Professionals Background paperhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/professional-development/white-paper

KSA Study Guide: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ksa/study-guide KSA Assessment for Practitioners

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ksa/assessment-for-practitioners KSA Professional Development Assessment for Organizations and

Systemshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/ksa/professional-development-for-organizations

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Resources for Serving YouthResources for Serving YouthInnovative Strategies for

Serving Youth with Disabilities

Innovative Strategies Searchable Database

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/innovative-strategies Over 50 program profiles organized by the Guideposts for

Success, state, funding source

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Partnership Plus

Work with your DEI Project lead and NDI technical assistance liaison to determine your strategic approach to addressing the needs of the youth, including:

◦ the extent to which the focus is on transitioning into the workforce,

◦ the age range of youth to be served,◦outreach to out-of-school and at-risk youth, and ◦how Guideposts for Success will be incorporated.

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DEI Technical Assistance: Access and utilize the following information and resources:

Disability Resource Coordinators Serving Youthhttp://www.dei-ideas.org/chapter2-2/page2a_youth.cfm

Guideposts for Success Service Delivery Componenthttp://www.dei-ideas.org/chapter2-1/page6a_gfs.cfm

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youthhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/

Youth DEI Projects On May 10th, the NDI team and NCWD/Youth will offer training

specifically targeted to the DEI youth projects with a primary focus on applying the Guideposts to various youth populations and assessing needs for ongoing support.

More information will be included in the training opportunities announcement for May.

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Questions? Questions?

A: Submit it to the host in writing via the Chat or Q&A Box to the right, or…

B: Click on the “raise hand” icon to have your line un-muted and ask your question/make your comment.

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Key NCWD/Youth Contacts:Curtis Richards202-822-8405 Ext. 163Richardsc@iel.org

Mindy Larson202-822-8405 Ext. 169Larsonm@iel.org

Key Websites:http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ http://www.dol.gov/odep/

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Contact InformationContact Information