California’s Disability Program Navigator "America Works Best When All Americans Work"

2 WORKABILITY I A California Transition Program

3 WORKABILITY I MISSION To enable all individuals with disabilities to successfully participate in a program that will prepare them for the workplace and independent living

4 BACKGROUND 1981 study by California’s Department of Education: results indicated students with disabilities not adequately prepared/job ready Workability I pilot project begins in 1981: Intent is to test concept of work experience for youth with disabilities

5 BACKGROUND A non-financial Interagency Agreement was signed by: Employment Development Department California Department of Rehabilitation California Department of Education Workability I continues to successfully conduct interagency coordination of services, which began in September Task Force Of Workability Practitioners Convened: Intent is to align Workability w/ State and Federal Transition Initiatives For Youth With Disabilities

6 BACKGROUND Designation as one of the ten best transition programs in the United States National recognition for matching young adults with disabilities and employers 305 Local education agency Workability I program sites are funded statewide All 58 California counties are served by Workability I programs

7 THE PROGRAM Workability I Provides: Comprehensive Pre-Employment Training Employment Placement and follow up services for High School students in special education Training program for Special Education students ages Promotes career awareness and exploration while students complete their secondary education program

8 GOALS OF WORKABILITY 1 Increase percentage of students with disabilities employed (with and without subsidies) Increase percentage of students with disabilities enrolled in post-secondary education Increase the percentage of students with disabilities who report satisfaction with their independent living status and community involvement

9 WHY WORKABILITY I WORKS The local program sites successfully coordinate state and local service providers to offer tailored comprehensive services Program services are appropriate to individual student’s needs Referrals to post-secondary education/training, One-Stops, employers, service providers, etc.

10 WHY WORKABILITY I WORKS (cont’d) Program services are appropriate to individual student’s needs Referrals to post-secondary education/training, One-Stops, employers, service providers, etc. One-year follow-up and two year follow-along supportive services provided

11 OTHER PARTNERS Employers Work Experience Education Dept of Rehabilitation Chambers of Commerce Regional Occupational Programs One-Stop Career Centers Labor Unions Dept of Health Services Business Advisory Groups Transition Partnerships Program Dept of Social Services Annually, over 10,000 employers statewide have found WIA students to be well prepared for employment, reliable employees and assets to their businesses

12 PROGRAM BENEFITS Business/Employer Benefits Screened students ready to learn and work Workers interests/skills matched to employers needs Ongoing employee support services

13 REGIONAL EFFORTS Marin County Napa County Solano County Sonoma County

14 RESOURCE CONTACT LIST Carole McLain – Regional Disability Navigator P: (707) E: Robert Snowden – Director, Workability I and Transition Services – California Department of Education P: (916) E: Jeff Riel – Manager, Collaborative Program Services, California Department of Rehabilitation P: (916) E: Rebecca Scott – Coordinator, Diagnostic Learning Center, Napa Valley College (Fast Track To Work) P: (707) E: