June 11, 2014 TLS Update

US Department of Justice & State of Rhode Island Consent Decree

What does the Consent Decree do? 1.Resolves the findings that RI violated ADA (Olmstead Act) 2.Includes youth with I/DD in transition from secondary schools: “Rhode Island Youth Transition Target Population” “Rhode Island Youth Exit Target Population” 3. Defines certain terms and outcomes 6/11/2014TLS Network

Definitions to be aware of: “Individuals with Intellectual or developmental disabilities” (I/DD) “Career Development Plan” “Discovery”; “Person-Centered Planning” “trial work experience” 6/11/2014TLS Network

Phase I: Address Upcoming Deadlines July 1, RIDE Employment First Policy - Identification of TA providers - Modify existing interagency MOU’s/contracts October 1, All individuals in “RI Youth Transition Target Population” will have services & supports described in Section V (A & B) January 1, All individuals in “RI Youth Exit Target Population” will have person- centered planning resulting in a career development plan… (sections V (A) (1&2) and section V) 6/11/2014TLS Network

Section V (1 & 2) (1)… job shadowing, social skills training, assistive technology, career exploration, career planning… (2)…instruction, community experiences, development of employment goals, integrated work-based learning experiences, self- determination training, benefits planning… 6/11/2014TLS Network

Phase 2: Technical Assistance TLS Network- communication & information dissemination & training - June 11 th – Awareness & roll out of EF policy – CDP templates – RI Transition Timeline – RI Transition Matrix Regional Transition Centers – state wide TAC – mid-year cadre – state institute ORS, Center of Excellence & Advocacy, Sherlock Center, etc. 6/11/2014TLS Network

Things to consider right now: No engagement of any type of “sheltered workshop” activities within school No vocational or situational assessments conducted in segregated work settings, including in sheltered workshops No “trial work experience” in sheltered workshop 6/11/2014 TLS Network

Things to do now Read the Consent Decree – Parents may be aware of it and refer to it in IEP and Transition meetings Discuss with your Director – How your practices, forms and procedures meet the expectations of the Consent Decree – You will want evidence your district is complying with the CD Change of Assumption – Everyone can and is expected to enter supported employment – It is in your best interest to document instances where the steps toward employment are altered (i.e. parent refuses, adult agency will not participate, etc.) 5/23/2014OSCAS ARIASE

Questions ?? 6/11/2014TLS Network