Person-Centered Employment
Practices in Postsecondary
Education
Cassie M. Coco, CESP
&
Austin Holloway
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
What is the UP Program?
• The University Participant (UP) Program is a two
year, inclusive program for college-aged individuals
with intellectual disabilities.
• Operated as a pilot program from 2007 to 2010; 2
participants completed the program by 2010.
• Expanded to 4 participants in 2010, 4 additional in
2011 for a total of 8 participants.
• Funded as a model demonstration site in 2010 by
U.S. Department of Education.
Five UP Program Components
Personal
Development
Course
Auditing
Social
Participation
and Learning
Community
Participation
Vocational
Preparation
Participants must pay current university fees for auditing courses
UP Certificate Requirements
UP Certificate of
Accomplishment
1800 hrs
in 4
semesters
80% of
objectives in
IPCP*
Recommendation
based on satisfactory
progress
*Individual Plan for College Participation (IPCP)
What do UP Participants do at WCU?
• Live on campus and experience
college life with same age peers
• Have an individual plan that
would allow personal
development for post-UP success
• Attend a limited number of
classes
• Participate in social events and
activities
Person Centered
Vocational Preparation
Laying the Foundation for Community Employment
The Employment Track
Pre-Admission
Participants submit documentation on previous employment and future goals
Year One, Semester 1
Year One, Semester 2
Determine Internship Plan, choose classes that align
Participants can stay in current placement for one more
semester or change for a better fit while continuing classes
Year 2, Semester 3
Year 2, Semester 4
Keep or change placements, continue class, begin networking
and applying for jobs in community
On-campus internships are maintained until community
placement can be secured, classes continue
Post-Graduation
Support from UP CDC fades and VR or other SE services pick up, community job is secured, UP monitors progress for up to two
years
P
R
E
A
D
M
I
S
S
I
O
N
Pre-Admission
Job Focused Course Planning
On- Campus Internships
• 10 hours a week
• Align with long term career
goals
• Change each semester/year
• Support and training
provided to employers as
needed
• Encourage independence
Supports and Accommodations
Supports and Accommodations
On-Campus Employers
•
Athletics Department
•
Greenhouse
•
Campus Recreation Center
•
Hunter Library
•
Catamount Clothing and Gifts
Store
•
International Programs and
Services Office
•
Cat’s Den Arcade
•
Kneedler Child Development
Center
•
Cullowhee Kids Preschool at
Cullowhee United Methodist
Church
•
Residential Living
•
School of Teaching and
Learning (severe disabilities
grant)
•
Student Mail Services
•
EnTOURage
•
Facilities Management
SPED 493: Career Development
• Vocational Training
• Method
• Modules
• One-on-one support
• Topics
•
•
•
•
•
•
Job fair preparation
Job search skills: websites & print media
Interview skills
Application completion
Cover letter construction
Resume completion & distribution
Evaluating Performance
• Work with employers to develop work goals
• Bring goals to participants to gain their feedback
and perspective and develop into a work card
• Meet with participants periodically to check in
• Schedule bi-weekly observations of job
performance
• Encourage employer feedback and share with
participant
Transitioning Back Into the Community
• Network with Parents and Community
Partners
• Working closely with Vocational
Rehabilitation for participants that
qualify
• Think outside the box!
Austin Holloway
1st Year UP Participant
My Experience
• When I graduate I want to work with pets or
kids
• My jobs on campus help me prepare for
those jobs
• My classes help me learn job skills such as:
• Organization
• Appropriate Social Interactions
• Giving and following directions
Where I’ve Worked
Mt. Heritage Center
Hunter Library
How I’m Supported
• Advising Day is held every semester
• Monthly meetings with UP staff to talk
about goals
• Encouraged to find work while on
Vacation
• Work Cards that remind me about
goals
UP Work Experiences
Video
Ideas? Questions?
Thanks For Having Me!
Contact Information
Cassie M. Coco, UP Career Dev. Coordinator
828-227-3318
cnmoffitt@email.wcu.edu
UP.WCU.EDU