AGENCY CONNECTIONS DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (DVR) Improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities in Washington State Center for Change in Transition Services

This webinar is closed- captioned. To view the captioning, click on the CC icon just above the video. CLOSED CAPTIONED (CC)

CCTS INTRODUCTIONS Cinda Johnson Ed.D., Principal Investigator Sue Ann Bube Ed.D., Director Julia Schechter M.Ed., Doctoral Research Assistant

AGENCY CONNECTIONS LEARN ABOUT: Agency Connections – What does the data tell us? The post-school survey informs policymakers and school districts about the status of students with disabilities one year after high-school. It also reports which adult agencies students contact during the transition process. Transition and DVR DVR counselors work with students and families to develop a plan for transitioning from high school to work. Transition and the IEP DVR counselors participate as part of the IEP team to connect students and families to support services and other adult agencies. DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (DVR)

AGENCY CONNECTIONS WHAT DOES THE DATA TELL US?

POST SCHOOL OUTCOMES WASHINGTON SPECIAL EDUCATION LEAVERS % Response Rate

26% of ALL students responding to the survey connected with an agency after leaving high school. 13% of ALL students responding to the survey connected with the local DVR counselor. 72% of students that connected with DVR became employed or went on to some education/training! AGENCY CONNECTION WHAT DOES THE DATA TELL US? 26% 74% 13% 60% 12%

TRANSITION AND DVR HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE PRODUCTIVE LIVES BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL

TODAY’S GUEST PARTICIPANT Francis Gathenya Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) State of Washington th Ave NE Seattle, WA (206) Statewide toll free: (V/TTY)

DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (DVR) DVR IS A DIVISION OF THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES DVR PROVIDES EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND COUNSELING TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO WANT TO WORK BUT EXPERIENCE BARRIERS TO WORK BECAUSE OF A PHYSICAL, SENSORY, AND/OR MENTAL DISABILITY.

The goal of DVR transition aligns with the overall DVR mission of facilitating, and coordinating services pertaining to: Employment Post-secondary education and training Community Participation Independent Living TRANSITION AND DVR WHAT IS THE GOAL OF TRANSITION? Recommended resource:

DVR TRANSITION LIAISON DVR HAS COUNSELORS ASSIGNED TO EVERY HIGH SCHOOL IN WASHINGTON. TO FIND YOUR COUNSELOR, CHECK THE DROP-DOWN SEARCH BY COUNTY AT: ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CCTS: CONNECTIONS/ CONNECTIONS/

EXAMPLES OF DVR SERVICES Assessment services Assistive technology Benefits planning Education and training Independent living services Job placement and job coaching Transportation Vocational guidance and counseling Recommended Resource: rehabilitation/what-services-are-available-mehttps:// rehabilitation/what-services-are-available-me

AGEActivityAgency Apply for a Washington State I.D. card Apply to become a client of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA, formerly DDD) 18If your child does not receive Social Security Benefits—apply now! 18 or last year of school Apply for services with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). AnytimeCall for local transit system bus Travel Training AnytimeApply for services at a local Center for Independent Living (CIL). DVR TIMELINE AGE, ACTIVITY AND AGENCY pdf

DVR PROCESS Orientation Intake Eligibility Vocational assessment Individualized Plan for Employment Case Closure Post Employment Services

The VR Counselor collects sufficient documentation to determine that an applicant: Has a physical, sensory or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment; Requires VR services to achieve employment; and Can benefit from VR services by achieving an employment outcome consistent with his or her unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. ELIGIBILITY

DVR REFERRAL PROCESS DOCUMENTATION Documentation from the school Copy of most recent IEP and Evaluation Copies of any transition assessments or inventories Documentation from students Washington State ID Social Security Card Proof of Social Security Benefit Reduced fare bus pass Proper documentation will expedite eligibility determination, as well as the vocational planning process!

TRANSITION AND THE IEP DVR AND THE SCHOOL TRANSITION PROCESS

Beginning when the child turns 16 or younger (& updated annually), the Individualized Education Program (IEP) must include: ① Measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living skills. ② The transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals. U.S.C (b) THE IEP WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES

CCTS FLOW CHART HELPING STUDENTS TO BECOME CAREER READY Completed by teacher annually Identified services that will aid the student in becoming career ready Connect student/family with adult agencies annually

High schools are assigned DVR liaisons. These counselors, in conjunction with the IEP Team, play a pivotal role in facilitating, coordinating, and planning the transition process. Determining who should be included in the student’s transition planning team is one of the very initial decisions that need to be made. More people may be included, as the transition process unfolds. When to apply to DVR will depend on the students circumstances. Normally, DVR Liaisons are not co-located at the schools. TRANSITION AND DVR HOW DOES TRANSITION WORK?

DOES DVR WORK? It is important to get an accurate and current picture about DVR and DVR services. Data Success stories- Not just regarding employment, but other accomplishments. Personal experience Consistent services throughout the State. There may be minor variations in how various DVR discharge their services.

Transition legally begins at age 16, or before, if appropriate. It is recommended that the connection with DVR be made as early as possible. It may not be necessary to have a DVR case opened when the initial connection with DVR is made. The DVR Counselor can provide guidance on the appropriate time to open a DVR case. Because each student has unique circumstances, DVR provides individualized vocational services. This includes the determination of when a student can apply for DVR services. TRANSITION AND DVR TIMELINE

OPTIMIZING TRANSITION SERVICES It is all about serving the person with disability. Healthy partnerships built on trust, and a common purpose. Focusing on all aspects of their lives – Employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, benefits planning, etc. Start early, and pace out transition activities, paying close attention to timelines. Bringing people to the table can be a real challenge. Daily preparation of the student and their parents for the transition process. Agencies and institutions learn about one another. “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.” Transition is a marathon, not a sprint!

State Needs Projects Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) CCTS provides secondary transition training and technical support to districts, and Educational Service Districts, that serve students who have an Individual Education Program and are in need of transition services. eLearning for Educators eLearning for Educators provides statewide access to affordable online courses designed to support educators in serving students with disabilities. Special Education Support Center Provides current information and best practices through statewide training and technical assistance to families, educators, and organizations in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Special Education Technology Center (SETC) Provides training, consultation, technology loans and resource information to help school districts and families implement assistive technology (AT) interventions in addressing the special learning needs of children with disabilities. Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS) Supports individuals aged birth to 21 who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind, by providing training and other resources to service providers and families.

RESOURCES Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA): Social Security: Year-Up: DO-IT: The Youthhood: Informing Families: Arc of King County:

DVR TRANSITION RESOURCES DVR School to Work Transition Video: Spanish version: DVR School Transition Brochure: 657.pdfhttps:// 657.pdf DVR Youth Transition Handbook: tionHandbook.pdfhttps:// tionHandbook.pdf Social Security Benefits and Work Incentive Guide: WorkIncentivesGuide.pdfhttps:// WorkIncentivesGuide.pdf (see March 9 th Webinar on Social Security for more information)

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

WEBINARS November 18 th Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) We will discuss how DDA eligibility is determined as well as services available to those found eligible under the law. December 9 th The ARC of Washington State Lean about guardianship, the Arc of Washington Trust Fund, and resources the ARC can provide individuals as they navigate the bridge between high-school and the world of college and career. January 13 th WorkSource Learn about your local WorkSource Centers and their unique concept in the labor market—everything in one place. February 10 th Mental Health Agencies We will discuss the array of services provided by different mental health agencies in the state of Washington and their importance in assisting students with making the leap from high school to postsecondary success. March 9 th Social Security/Medicaid Are you overwhelmed by SSI services? Join us as we learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits as well as how and when to apply. April 13 th Working with Providers/Vendors Discover how vendors may assist youth with disabilities in identifying their unique abilities and assisting with mobility, communication, independent living, and employment. May 11 th Customized Employment There is a job for everyone! Join us as we learn about and explore customized or carved employment options available to students with significant disabilities.

CONTACT INFORMATION The Center for Change in Transition Services Website: Phone: eLearning for Educators Website: Phone:

DISCLAIMER Training provided today is meant to supplement and not supplant reading bulletins and accompanying documents; guidance from the U.S. Department of Education; chapter A WAC; Part 300 of the federal regulations; and, the Individuals with Disabilities Act. This presentation and/or materials should be viewed and applied by users according to their specific needs. The presentation should be used as guidance and is not intended as legal advice.