An Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation for Educators March, 2017

Today’s Goal: 5Ws & H of VR WHO is VR / WHO do we serve? WHAT is VR? WHEN to access VR services? WHERE is VR? WHY partner with VR? HOW to make the partnership happen. ULTIMATE GOAL: EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

WHO is VR? Historical Perspective: The Disability Rights Movement resulted in the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Amendments in the 1990s increased the role of the consumer choice that resulted in better options for high quality jobs. Oregon VR is now implementing further change with the passing of WIOA in 2014 that include a focus on workforce development and long-term employment outcomes. Today, Oregon’s Employment First initiative is fostering better partnerships between ODDS, ODE, and VR to create a team approach to transition students with disabilities into the world of work.

WHO is VR? Mission “Assist Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence.” We believe individuals that experience disabilities are: -Motivated, ready, and reliable for work -Capable, talented, and can achieve on par with their peers -Are unique and have different needs and goals -Deserve the opportunity to achieve their potential -Have skills that are needed in the world of work

WHO is VR? Who are Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors? Counselors have extensive knowledge in community resources and available workforce programs Counselors have expertise in and know what disability accommodations are necessary for a particular client. They can help match jobs to a clients specific skill set. Counselors help clients to determine what a “reasonable accommodation” might be and how to ask for it. Counselors can act as part of a transition team to help determine a job goal and steps required to get there.

WHO Does VR Serve? Eligible Documented disability Disability related barriers to employment are identified VR services expected to reduce/eliminate barriers Eligible individual must be motivated to work. There must be a service VR can provide to address barrier to employment.

WHO does VR serve?

WHO does VR serve? Young adults with disabilities in their early career years are more likely to be: Unemployed Underemployed Living below the poverty line Percentage of individuals between 18-34 years old earning wages that placed them below the federal poverty line. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010)

WHAT VR Does? http://www.ytporegon.org/ Youth Transition Program Serves: •High school youth with disabilities Provides: •Preparation for employment or career-related, post-secondary education •A new pattern of service within schools and communities http://www.ytporegon.org/

WHAT VR Does?

WHAT VR Does? All services based on student’s VR Eligibility Employment Services and supports can remove barriers so a student can meet his/her job goal Counseling and Guidance Assist with understanding barriers to employment, with a focus on disability related barriers, and personal strengths/attributes Job Accommodations Career Exploration/Training Job Development Job Coaching/Support Assistive Technology Assessment

WHY Partner with VR? From IEP to IPE Student + IEP = Path to Graduation Student + IPE = Path to Employment VR will become part of the student’s team to assist in building upon the work that the student and school have done. Build on identified PINS --Preferences, Interests, Needs, Strengths-- Lead to a solid Summary of Performance --Connects to Student Abilities on the Job--

WHY Partner with VR? Team Approach = Better Employment Outcomes (Schools, VR, Brokerages, County Development Disability Services) can partner with students to provide help in them reaching their goals VR is a lifelong resource for student employment needs related to disability barriers Teachers have a rich history and knowledge that is invaluable to VR counselors Meeting the Student’s Transition Goals

WHEN to Access VR? Student has an interest in gaining employment Student’s disability appears to have the potential to impact employment success At least 1 year prior to the student exiting the school system (hopefully school staff and VR are discussing case loads on a regular base) Note: VR Counselors can come to the school dependent on workload and advance notice. Student is connected, if applicable, with County Developmental Disability Services and/or Brokerage (intending to seek employment)

HOW to Partner with VR Facilitate referral to VR, Students need your help with referral: Identify Students who may benefit Connect Student to YTP specialist and/or VR Counselor

HOW to Partner with VR Intake Session Overview What to expect Who to invite Timelines Eligibility criteria Medical Diagnosis vs. School Eligibility

HOW to Partner with VR Before the referral: Career Exploration & Person Centered Plans Job Discovery when Available Career Goal Development Real Life Skill Building Work Experiences Job Interest Inventories Job Shadows Informational Interviews

HOW to Partner with VR High School Partnership Local Teacher: VRC Connection, Set up meeting for all Special Ed providers, Meeting for Parents and Students, facilitated individual intake sessions at school, ongoing collaboration Example of partnership Employment First Pilot Project

WHERE is VR? Clackamas County Branch: 4382 SE International Way, Ste. B Milwaukie, OR 97222 Office #971-673-6130 Other Metro Area Office are available, depending on student location and choice.