YTP and the Responsibility for Transition Keith Ozols, YTP Statewide Coordinator Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services IEPYTP Employment Education Training

YTP-What is it?  Oregon Vocational Office of Rehabilitation Services (OVRS),  Oregon Department of Education (ODE),  University of Oregon (U of O), and  Local school districts statewide in Oregon. The Youth Transition Program (YTP) is a grant program for youth with disabilities operated collaboratively with:

ODE and the 2004 IDEA The purpose of IDEA is: to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Age Appropriate Transition Assessments- EXAMPLES School District Responsibility YTP Transition Specialist Responsibility “…ongoing process of collecting data on the individual's needs, preferences, and interests as they relate to the demands of current and future working, educational, living, and personal and social environments. Assessment data serve as the common thread in the transition process and form the basis for defining goals and services to be included in the IEP” Secure school documentation of disability and relevant anecdotal information to assist YTP team in determining eligibility for OVRS services. Coordinate with the VRC and student for additional assessments or career exploration activities to develop the Individualized Plan for Employment. (Sitlington, Neubert, & Leconte)

Post Secondary Goals-EXAMPLES School District Responsibility: YTP Transition Specialist Responsibility: School District will develop annual goals, transition services, and a course of study geared toward helping the student achieve the post secondary goals. Job Shadow Portfolio Work Experience Development of a career pathway Collaboration with VRC to develop the IPE. Job Development Follow up services once the student is employed.

Purpose of the YTP Program The purpose of the program is to:  Prepare youth with disabilities for employment or career related post secondary education or training  Support school districts in preparing youth for their future employment by: Investigating employment options Supporting them in skill building & job readiness Teaching them how to access the job market Supporting the IEP process

Who Does it Serve? YTP serves: Youth with disabilities who need additional support, beyond the services typically offered though the general or special education program, to achieve their secondary and post secondary employment and continuing education goals. Students must have a documented disability or 504. Students must be eligible for Voc. Rehab. Students must have the potential to become competitively employed given job training services or postsecondary ed.

Who Does it Serve? Strengths of StudentsBarriers to Employment YTP youth are those who will be able to succeed in competitive employment and have strengths that should include: Desire to work Motivated to work Be responsible and able to follow a plan Know their abilities and limitations YTP youth are representative of all youth with disabilities, with additional barriers to employment which can include: Individual, family, or school system barriers Negative job experiences, and low levels of family involvement or support. Financial, transportation Homelessness

YTP Eligibility Process Screen Students Determine students who are eligible Prepare a plan Provide support in all needed areas Follow-up to maintain plan Keep track of student after graduation and support, if possible, follow-up services

7 Key Elements of YTP Follow-up SupportCareer DevelopmentIndividualized SupportIndividualized PlanningMentoring and ReferralsEmployment SupportManaging Your Budget The YTP provides services to youth beginning during the last two years of high school and continuing into the early transition years after leaving high school.

Individualized Planning Individualized planning, focused on post school goals and self determination, and help to coordinate school plans with relevant community agencies Contact community support agencies & coordinate support with the IEP/School Team Assist/Support student in working towards post school goals as written on goal/course of study CIS, Scholarships, Financial Aid, Community supports The Specialist Can:

Individualized Support Support students in their academic, vocational, independent living, and personal social skills, and help them to stay in and complete high school. The Specialist Can: Teach self advocacy skills Teach resume & job readiness skills Support/Assist in social skill objectives Coach, mentor student in achieving their goals

Career Development Career development services including goal setting, career exploration, job search skills, and self advocacy. The Specialist Can: Complete Career exploration tools CRLS & Portfolio Support Teach job search skills Support in self advocacy Help teach students how to obtain work/job support

Employment Support Emphasis on paid employment such as connections with local employers, development of school-based businesses, on the job assessment and training. The Specialist Can: Set up work experiences, job shadows, informational interviews Pre-employment training on campus under school based employment/businesses Interviewing techniques, resume writing, job search applications. Assist in the development of a career pathway

Mentoring and Referrals Support services such as individualized mentoring and support or referrals for additional specific interventions The Specialist Can: Teach how to access local services Support students in accessing support services  Food stamps  Banking  OHP  Housing, etc.

Follow-Up Support Follow-up support for one year after leaving the program to assist in maintaining positive outcomes in employment or post secondary settings. The Specialist Can: YTP refer to Voc. Rehab. counseling Problem solving at work Individualized to student needs Contact your specialists re the post school outcomes report. They may have the info and contact numbers.

Managing Your Budget: Quarterly invoices to OVRS Year one match can be rolled over to year two 10% line item move within your budget Budget amendments

Questions Questions: What are the components of good transition planning to you? What are barriers that impede good transition planning? What are some of the specific barriers impeding VR and School collaboration? What is currently working in your school regarding transition planning and collaboration with VR and other agencies?