B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
Activity
9. Youth transition programs1
States with
Experience
Alaska2
Alabama3
California 4
Connecticut 5
Delaware 6
Idaho7
Iowa 8
Kansas9
Minnesota10
Missouri11
Nebraska12
North Dakota13
Pennsylvania 14
Rhode Island15
South Carolina16
South Dakota 17
Utah18
Vermont19
Virginia20
Washington21
1
States Planning
or Beginning
Activity
District of
Columbia22
New Jersey23
Wisconsin24
Maryland 25
Massachusetts26
New Hampshire27
North Carolina28
Maine29
Oregon30
TA Tools, Policy Analysis and/or Multi-State
Analysis
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for
Youth(NCWD/Youth)
http://www.ncwd-youth.info
A Massachusetts-based mentoring program, Partners
for Youth with Disabilities (PYD), has opened a
National Center for Mentoring Youth with Disabilities.
http://www.pyd.org/
SSA Funded Youth Transition Demonstration Projects.
http://www.mdrc.org/project_32_79.html
Building Effective Transition Partnerships
Developed by Center on Community Living and
Careers at Indiana University and the Indiana Division
of Disability and Rehabilitative Services
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/cclc/products/building_eff
ective_transition_partnerships.pdf
9. Youth transition programs
Alaska – 2nd Q 2004 – MIG project staff works closely with Division of Business Partnership/Alaska Workforce Investment Board to implement its 5 year
Youth Transition & Mentoring Grant. A Transition Policy Summit is planned for October 21 – 22 – 2004. Youth resource mapping is currently being
2
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
conducted. A Transition summit was held in 2000.
4th Q 2004 –At the Transition Policy Summit, over 75 individuals including person with disabilities, family members, state agencies, service providers and school
district staff brainstormed and prioritized strategies and outcome measures for service delivery, connectively to resources and funding.
4th Q 2005 - Project staff continued to work with the youth grantees in the Youth Transition Project. 12 of the 50 enrollees were employed.
Alaska 1st Q 2006 - The 4 youth intermediary grantees funded by the Youth In Transition (YIT)served 135 youth this quarter; 26 are employed. Staff worked with the
Alaska Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council on strategies for ensuring all youth, including youth with disabilities, are prepared for Alaska’s jobs. YIT funding
from the Office of Disability Employment Policy ends September 30, two years early. Project staff facilitated several meetings to identify sustainability strategies upon
termination of grant funding.
1st Q 2006 - Project staff worked with the Developmental Disability Waitlist Committee; as a result, priority consideration for services will be given to transition-age
youth
Alabama 3rd Q 2006 – MIG is developing a partnership among local educational agencies, state vocational rehabilitation agency and other providers to develop a
collaborative model that addresses health care barriers to the employment of youth in transition with severe disabilities through a pilot project.
3
4
California 4th Q 2004 - Held a one day youth forum to discuss transition and resources among other youth.
Report completed on outcome and suggestions from December youth forum.
California 3rd Quarter 2005 - Provided materials, staff support, & presented at annual California Youth Leadership Forum. Began outreach campaign
targeting Postsecondary Education audiences.
Connecticut – Developing a young adult pilot project for transitioning to employment to be implemented in July 2004
2nd Q 2004 – Provided information sessions for 185 young adults and family members with the intent of increasing young adults participation in employment services.
3rd Q 2004 – MIG contracted with three Centers for Independent Living to support program for young adults and their families.
4th Q 2004 - Initiated young adult pilot program, quarterly case conferencing, developed youth-specific power point and shared regionally and nationally. Outreach has
doubled the number of young adults receiving benefits counseling (from 2.8% young adults in 2003 to 6.5% in 2004).
5
6
Delaware – Materials provided to over 1000 families. Connect to Employment Conference for over 150 service providers, students and parents
7
Idaho – 1st Quarter 2005 - Sponsored breakout session on SSA work incentives at Transition fair for secondary students.
Iowa 3rd Q 2004 – A national youth transition conference will be held in December
Iowa 4th Q 2004 - A national Youth Transition conference was held with 8 teams; employment issues was the focus.
Iowa 1st Q 2005 - Technical assistance forums with youth transition teams were formed in 2004. An employment transition workshop with county staff and
case managers will be held.
2nd Q 2005 - Employment transition workshop for case managers scheduled for August, 2005
3rd Quarter 2005 - An employment transition workshop held with approx. 200 case managers; planning another employment transition workshop for
November 2005.
8
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
Kansas – 1st Q 2004 – MIG staff presentations to Transitional Councils in state.
2nd Q 2004 – MIG outreach- benefit specialist staff made ten presentations and outreach contacts that would benefit transitioning students.
4th Q 2004 – Stated goal is to promote employment and knowledge of work incentives through education and outreach to transitioning students, their families, and
professionals in the education system. The strategy is to provide training programs regarding work incentives in general, and Working Healthy in particular, for
Transition Councils and other programs serving transitioning students. Also MIG project is providing support for the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum. Benefits
Specialists made a total of nine presentations to transition groups.
Kansas – 1st Q 2005 - Benefits Specialists made a total of 20 transition outreach activities during the first quarter. Youth enrollment will be measured
following the final quarter.
Kansas 2nd Q 2005 - MIG funds were used to sponsor the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, attended by 35 youth and 42 youth mentors.
4th Q 2005 - Benefits Specialists conducted 14 presentations targeting transitioning youth. 82 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 29 are now enrolled. There
was a slight increase in percentage of enrollees in this age group during the fourth quarter
3rd Q 2006 – MIG Project supported outreach/benefits specialists are targeting some outreach sessions to transition age youth
9
10
Minnesota 2nd Q 2005 - Coordination with a major youth transition grant effort (Dept of Labor youth transition grant). Also, initial development of local
educational transition efforts.
1st Q 2006 - Provided materials on Medicaid Buy-In & linkage line for 230 parents & youth at Transition Summit
2nd Q 2006 - Supported the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Project C3 (Connecting Youth to Communities and Careers) to strengthen transition
services by: creating mentoring and early work opportunities, supporting the development and promotion of best practices and innovative strategies, and by
coordinating planning and information distribution. Finalized plans for Minnesota Department of Education and MIG project joint effort in coordinated resource
mapping. Careers & resource presentation to 30 transition students & parents, Planning internship programs
Missouri -4th Q 2004 – Advocates/facilitators under MIG grant continued their participation in career fairs, workplace diversity training, and the transition of students
with disabilities out of school and into the workplace.
Missouri 1st Q 2005 - Researching factors related to the potential of an effective transition from post-secondary school to work. Continuing on-campus
workshops for transition. Preliminary work with some campus sites (UMKC & Missouri Western) is already underway.
4th Q 2005 – Establishing and continuing on-campus workshops for transition, conducting needs assessments of campuses and develop and implement the
planned initiatives. Pilot project developed and implementation underway. Needs assessment conducted. Workshop held (November 2005) for college career
counselors.
11
Nebraska 1st Q 2004 – Transitioning Youth Pilot project under development.
2 Q 2004 – Beginning to work with families with youth in transition. Barriers to employment list developed.
3rd Q 2004 – Contractor, Easter Seals, met with nine agencies to develop awareness of Youth Transition project. Developing a local team for
Transitioning Youth Pilot Project including, Medicaid agency, special ed teachers, VR, families and students.
12
nd
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
4th Q 2004 - Training Project YES, Kick off dinner, parent awareness training, transition advisory council mtgs, continued work with students, families, transition
educators, VR. Meetings with school personnel, ESU staff. Steering committee meetings, mental health planning & HHS planning for
meeting in February.
Nebraska 2nd Q 2005 - Out reach materials developed for Transition Fair, attended a Transition Advisory Committee for youth, benefits awareness for 16
youth was held, met with 2 individuals about competitive employment, educated service coordinators about employment supports.
3rd Quarter 2005 - Trained educators & HHS Eligibility staff about work incentives resulted in youth becoming employed & seeking higher education,
receiving benefits analyses & an increase in Medicaid Eligibility staff referrals.
1st Q 2006 -8 pilot youth have received BPAO & IEPs added employment goals.
3rd Q 2006 – Partnership created with University Cooperative Extension and legal system to share resources for guardians in 23 counties regarding employment
expectations and supports. Several High Schools are exploring options to support paid work using PASS plans to teach independent living skills. SSA staff is helping
develop strategies and solutions to encourage employment.
North Dakota – 4th Q 2004 - Transition educators, county eligibility workers, employers, CIL's, & ND Dept of Human Services will work together to support
employment of people with disabilities. Strategy Provides online and/or telephone TA to educators, and other professionals. Statewide transition committee meetings
completed;
13
Pennsylvania – 2nd Q 2004 – Conducting assertive local outreach to school systems targeting transitioning youth as part of state MIG project established pilot
demonstration project. One is in a rural area and one is in an urban area. They are to work with One Stop employment centers (called Career Links in Pennsylvania).
4th Q 2004 - Mini-grants distributed to youth transition groups.
14
Rhode Island – The MIG’s Youth in Transition Workgroup developed a Systems Change Improvement matrix with support strategies for transitioning youths
with disabilities, families, teachers and other professionals. A Training manual for critical partners is being developed in 2004.
3rd Q 2004 – Facilitation of student mentoring by employers is in process.
4th Q 2004 - Development of a curriculum/training manual - that will be a single coherent package providing consistent factual information to be used in helping
families, teachers and youths make truly informed transition decisions - is near completion. Initiated collaboration with University of Rhode Island’s Changing the
Culture grant program(program fosters development of an integrative / facilitating environment for students with disabilities); URI Director of Disability Services joined
the Youth in Transition Workgroup; curriculum training manual is near completion. The Creating Pathways Train the Trainer Manual was completed; a chart (provides
an overview of federal & state health care programs and strategies for resolving gaps in health care for YIT) was completed.
4th Q 2004 - Prepared report on “ Health Care Gaps in Rhode Island for Children with Disabilities: Challenges and Proposed Strategies” Intent was to identify the
health benefits available for children with disabilities, those available for adults with disabilities, the "gaps" between the two, and to develop strategies to bridge these
gaps. A health care gaps' chart has been completed based on a draft of the report)
15
16
South Carolina 2nd Q 2005 - Training of special education transition coordinators on Section 1619 work incentives held.
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
17
South Dakota 2nd Q 2006 - Contracted with a consultant to provide at least 6 days of statewide training on work incentives to consumers, family members,
representative payees, service provider staff and other advocates; staff will continue to publish the "Tips Newsletter" at least 3 times a year. Training sessions were
held in April & June. 254 participated in these events. A specific focus of sessions was transition-age youth & their families. Newsletter was sent to over 1350
individuals.
Utah – 1st Q 2004 - MIG project has Outreach and Training Group to advise UWIC on effective ways to educate people with disabilities, family members, service
providers, educators, employers about new work incentive programs. Focus in 2004 is on transition age youth. Curricula for Teachers and transition coordinators and
families and youth were developed. Presentations made to two statewide group of educators.
Transition Work Group – Advises UWIN about effective ways to educate and inform transition age youth, families and school personnel about work incentives and
support for youth with disabilities.
1st Q 2006 - Training provided to 22 teachers/staff of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind; The Training and Education Committee of the Governor's Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities created a plan to present findings to school district special ed directors, Disability Resource Centers, etc.
18
Vermont - – Youth Transition Conference conducted in October 2003. University of Vermont has completed second year evaluation of Jump On Board for Success
(JOBS) program which is an intensive case management/supported employment program for youth ages 16 -22
2nd Q 2004 – Draft evaluation report prepared on employment program for transition youth, ages 16 – 22.
4th Q 2004 - Youth transition trainings
Vermont 1st Q 2005 - Youth transition peer meetings sponsored.
2nd Q 2006 – MIG helped sponsor Independent Living Youth Summit.
19
Virginia – Assembled data on transition age population and developing plans for educating school system personnel on work incentives and benefit planning
resources. - In order to improve youth in transition programs in the schools, develop a plan for better educating school system personnel on work incentives and benefit
planning resources.1st Q 2004 – A draft training document for use the State Department of Education has been developed under a contract with the state Department of
Rehabilitation Services and in cooperation with Department of Education.
2nd Q 2004 – Three community-based models of Youth in Transition programs are underway with organizational meetings and implementing plans. Intend to be models
of coordination and referral between youth in transition programs, benefit planners, One Stops, Employment Networks, and VA Office of Protection and Advocacy.
4th Q 2004- Final draft of training document was approved and printed for distribution to school districts throughout the State. It will also be presented at the State
Special Education Directors' Council meeting on Feb. 15, 2005.
Virginia 2nd Q 2005 - Work incentives brochure for Department of Education & transition-age population, developed with last year’s MIG, has been
reproduced and distributed, including Centers for Independent Living and BPAOs. Working with Capital Area Workforce Investment Board to develop an
employment orientation program for job-seeking youth with disabilities; planned for the fall 2005.
2nd Q 2006 - Continuing employment orientation activities for transition-age students in conjunction with One-Stop/Capital Area WIB.Ongoing requests (e.g., by school
staff, BPAOs, CILs) for copies of MIG-funded benefits planning brochure “Benefits Planning for a Brighter Future” will initiate a 3rd printing.
20
Washington 4th Q 2004 – MIG Project utilized model of a Youth Transition conference sponsored by local school district to sponsor a similar conference in a different
part of the state with the intent of reaching more consumers and to further motivate and energize those capable of duplicating this model on a statewide basis, the local
21
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
school districts, in conjunction with necessary partners. Through collaboration between VR, the One Stop system and local school districts, 50 additional youth in
transition were able to participate in this conference model that focuses on employment and related issues.
Washington 1st Q 2005 - Project with Vocational Rehabilitation and a local school district continues for promoting employment outcomes for youth in
transition.
Washington 2nd Q 2005 - Collaborative work with Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, One Stop system and 12 school districts on School to Work
project; 50 students with DD will exit school into job placements.
4th Q 2005 - Pilot project for interagency youth placement effort in Seattle area
District of Columbia 1st Quarter 2005 – Youth transition support documents and survey have been created.
DC 3rd Quarter 2005 - Produced draft Youth transition guide that is currently undergoing review. We anticipate distribution in January, 2006
22
23
New Jersey 1st Q 2005 - The Division of Disability Services will partner with John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University
under a contract to develop an outreach campaign for "Youth In Transition" using case studies, the internet, and marketing.
The Division of Disability Services – MIG Project in partnership with the NJ Department of Education, Office on Special Education Programs will co-sponsor
ten to twelve Regional Conferences on transitioning youth with disabilities and will outreach to over 1000 transitioning students.
2nd Q 2005 – MIG project staff at the Division of Disability Services in partnership with the NJ Department of Education, Office on Special Education
Programs co-sponsored Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conferences held from May 9th through June 1, 2005 and were held at six area colleges, one high
school and County Special Service Office. Reached over 1,700 transitioning students in New Jersey.
4th Q
2005 - The goal was to improve utilization of the infrastructure of transition supports for students with disabilities by improving student
empowerment and leading to better student knowledge and use of existing services and supports for people in New Jersey with disabilities. The Division of
Disability Services (MIG project) in partnership with The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities gathered project partners, developed a curriculum
and teacher's guide that was mailed to all New Jersey School districts and presentations were made to transition coordinators and regional stakeholders. The
curriculum has been sent out to New Jersey School districts.
1st Q 2006 - Four Dare to Dream 2006 Student Leadership Conferences for High School Students are scheduled for May and June of 2006.
3rd Q 2006 – MIG has let contract to develop a program which is intended to assist transition age youth to self-direct their support services.
Wisconsin – 2nd Q 2004 – MIG project is augmenting the Youth Transition project in state by training and technical assistance related to benefits planning, and SSI
waiver. School districts are engaged and training currently being designed.
3rd Q 2004 - Developing a waiver for Social Security benefits for transition age students.4th Q 2004 - Drafted SSI waiver application for transition age
students. Presented at statewide Youth Transition Leadership Forum. Compiled issue briefs. Local workgroup collaborations were developed to further waiver
development. Began implementation of plan to introduce benefits counseling in one locality.
Wisconsin 2nd Q 2005 – MIG is planning to help develop work experience opportunities for blind students in secondary education
1st Q 2006 - Goal in MIG –CEO Strategic Plan is to increase the number of students with disabilities who have information about employment options and supports
through Pathways programs. Strategy is to research and design effective means of providing students with disabilities the information and supports needed to make
decisions about their futures after high school and to prepare for the transition to employment or post-secondary education. Topic areas include employment and
24
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
educational options, the Individual Education Program (IEP) process and rights, person-centered planning, self determination, self advocacy and benefits counseling.
Current status - Contract initiated, planning and training mtgs held, curriculum finalized, providers contracted, began designing research.
2nd Q 2006 - 15 students received counseling, conference call held for provider sites, research design approved, Peer Power pilot completed, mentors trained at 2 sites,
data collected and review, evaluation process initiated.
25
Maryland 1st Q 2006 - MIG has issued an RFP for a consultant to provide a comprehensive overview of the state agency supports for youth as they transition into
workforce.
3rd Q 2006 – Secured a vendor for Youth with Disabilities study
26
Massachusetts 1st Q 2006 - Identified target populations of transition-age disabled youth (15-22) & care coordinators who work with them to coordinate health care
and employment outcomes. Met with DPH advisory board and staff to discuss joint care coordinator training. Began care coordinator curriculum development. MIG
staff authored Disability Issues article on Transition to Employment for Youth. Article at http://www.masschec.org/Youth/transitionarticle.cfm
2nd Q 2006 - Attended Department of Public Health Transition Advisory Board meeting; identified training needs of care coordinators; drafted curriculum; began
revision of SS Benefits Guide; published article on Transition Planning www:masschec.org/Youth/index.cfm
New Hampshire – 3rd Q 2004 – Developing a Youth Leadership Training Series for youth that transition from school to work. Beginning to design the
program and design training and curriculum for the series.
4th Q 2004 - Four forums held to develop a Youth Transition Took Kit report
27
28
North Carolina 2nd Q 2005 - Plans are underway to conduct a transition-age youth conference.
4 Q 2005 - Plans are near completion for a statewide transition -age youth conference.
th
29
Maine 1st Q 2006 - Goal in Maine MIG CEO Strategic Plan included that the state will better support young people with disabilities who are transitioning from
.school to work in order to increase job readiness and work skills, as well as the number and quality of early work experiences for youth with disabilities Extensive
distribution of the final strategic plan with focus on youth in transition one of the six strategic priorities. Meetings have been held with planning groups in other
education, transition and youth support systems to discuss strategic plan, possible common strategic priorities and action steps.
2nd Q 2006 – MIG Project invited to be a member of Governor's new initiative to engage youth in school and help connect to employment and continued education. 2.
Project focus and budget agreed upon for partnership training with statewide transition network The partnership program with the state transition network will focus
on disclosure issues for youth with disabilities who are entering the labor market as they exit high school - best strategies for disclosing in resume, interview, after hire,
and so forth
B. Planning and Development of Enhanced Rehabilitation, Vocational, Employment, and Employment-Related
Support Services
October, 2006
2003, 2004, 2005 and 1st & 2nd Quarter 2006
2005 additions in Bold in endnotes, 2006 in red and italics
Prepared by Allen Jensen Work Incentives Project, George Washington University ihoacj@gwumc.edu
3rd Q 2006 – New curriculum for youth in transition has been finished which is intended to help youth with disability on issues of disclosure in employment and
educational settings. Curriculum is now being tested. Governor’s Task Force has drafted legislation to help youth who experience disruption in educational process.
Washington 1st Q 2006 – Goal is to support the creation of an environment in which individuals may self-direct their life experiences in the pursuit of their career goals,
including their awareness and use of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to build assets and increase self-sufficiency. MIG Project staff conducted five outreach
presentations to encourage awareness and use of individual development accounts. Developed and distributed flyer to promote use of IDAs for self-employment.
Provided technical assistance to Spokane DVR staff and Neighborhood Action program to increase use of IDAs
30
Oregon 1st Q 2006 - Contracted with the Oregon Parent Training and Information Center to convene a statewide conference on transition for teachers, vocational
professionals, consumers and advocates.
2nd Q 2006 - Transition conference held April 12-13. 440 attended 30 sessions (largest ever attendance). Training developed and first held May 18, 25, June 1. 27
student and family members attended; 8 completed multi-evening series.
3rd Q 2006 - Developed a training program to train volunteers to assist in the development of transition plans for youth