1. Let’s Get to Work Project
Wisconsin’s
Let’s Get to Work Project
WSTI Transition Academy
November 29, 2012 1

2. Projects of National Significance
ADD Partnerships in Employment Grants Awarded to 6 states in 2011, 2 more states in 2012.
NY, MS, MO, CA, IA & TN, AK
Focus on policies that lead to improved integrated employment outcomes for youth with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2

3. Project framework includes all stakeholders:
School staff
Service agencies: Voc Rehab; Long-term care system
Students
Families
Broader community (including employers) 3

4. WI Project Overview: 4 Main Components
Statewide consortium
Policy team
Pilot schools
On-site coaches 4

5. Consortium
Key stakeholders who identify policy and practice barriers and strategies for engaging policymakers.
Includes updates from schools and 3 state agencies.
Includes youth track!
Parent track at last meeting. 5

6. Policy Team
Members
What it does 6

7. Practical Strategies for Engaging Policymakers
Making a solid case for change: data/research
Focus on policymakers’ own interests
Look at what is happening in the general population of youth regarding employment in your state
Help policymakers make connections
Work in coalitions: create a “buzz” 7

8. Policy Accomplishments in Year One
Guidance from DVR leadership on community-based assessments.
Youth Transition On the Job Training (OJT).
Strengthening statewide training to DVR staff on how to support individuals with the most complex disabilities (assumption that all are employable).
Vocational Diploma bill passed.
LRE guidance provided by OSEP as it
relates to work placements. 8

9. Policy Accomplishments in Year One Cont.
Students with disabilities included in discussion around Individual Learning Plans.
All ADRC staff trained on integrated employment for youth with disabilities.
Peer to Peer Mentoring added to Children’s Waiver. 9

10. School Pilot Sites RFPs disseminated/partners reviewed applications.
Schools selected
1st Round: Grafton, Holmen, Kewaunee County, Manitowoc, Oconomowoc
2nd Round: New Auburn,
Rhinelander, Stoughton,
West Allis/West Milwaukee 10

11. School Pilot Sites
9 school pilot sites selected to implement an evidence-based intervention package.
Person-centered planning
Early connection to DVR
School opportunity mapping
Community Conversations
Access to general ed classes and extra-curriculars
Paid and volunteer work experiences
Connecting families to opportunities early (college, benefits counseling, career options, etc.) 11

12. School Pilot Sites – 1st Year Accomplishments
All of the 37 pilot participants connected to DVR much earlier (15 – 16 years old).
Students showing more self-esteem/independence.
Parents more involved in the process.
Schools more engaged with business community.
School staff working better as a team.
PSAs! Holmen PSA, Grafton PSA 12

13. Coaches
On-site supporters/cheerleaders/practitioners who show school staff how to try new practices.
Provide resources and direct instruction training.
Connect them to other professional development, training, and resources. 13

14. For More Information www.letsgettoworkwi.org
Jenny Neugart, Project Coordinator
Nancy Molfenter, Coach/Trainer
Shannon Munn, Coach/Trainer 14