1. CHANGES IN LEGISLATION AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DRS, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER PARTNERS Kimberly Osmani, Statewide Transition Coordinator Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Erin Wilder, Statewide Transition Specialist Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

2. Topics 1. What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)? 2. Opportunities Provided through WIOA for Transition of Students and Youth 3. Middle School 4. Collaborative Practices

3. What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)? Formerly Workforce Investment Act (WIA) WIOA modernizes and streamlines the WIA, which had been due for reauthorization since 2003. $3 billion program funds state and local workforce initiatives and provides comprehensive job training services for adults and youth.

4. WIOA Congressional finding is added… Congress finds that many students with disabilities are leaving secondary school without competitive integrated employment or being enrolled in postsecondary education, and there is a need to support such students as they transition from school to postsecondary life. There is more emphasis on Transition and youth services throughout. In particular, there is emphasis on transition to postsecondary life—not just to employment or postsecondary education. I want to get a job! video I want to get a job!

5. Opportunities Provided through WIOA for Transition Outreach Middle School/Junior High How can VR support you? Disconnected youth How can you support VR? Underrepresented youth 504 Plans, foster youth Needs of youth

6. Opportunities Provided through WIOA for Transition Services to Groups Youth or students 14-24 In or out of school Reduces costs per individual Reduces burden on families to apply unless intensive services are needed Reduces administrative burden on counselors (access to kids, less time on paperwork, reach broader group) Examples: Labor market info, self-advocacy and self-determination, how to do resumes, college tours

7. Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs WIOA and Changes Potentially Eligible Partnerships (local, state, regional) Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Focus on Competitive Integrated Employment (compensation and benefits)—real work with real wages and benefits Student v. youth

8. Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs WIOA and Changes Potentially Eligible Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) may contain an employment “outcome” or “projected outcome” for youth or students; amendments are OK! Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS) 15% of agency’s federal award Only to “students” but transition services can be provided to youth (just not counted in 15%)

9. Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs WIOA and Changes PETS (5 required and other authorized) 5 Required Areas 1. Job exploration counseling 2. Work-based learning experiences such as Internships 3. Counseling on opportunities for postsecondary training 4. Job readiness skills training to develop social and independent living skills 5. Self-advocacy instruction

10. Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs WIOA and Changes Focus on out-of-school youth (with most significant disabilities) Subminimum wage (Section 511) (takes effect 7/22/2016) No youth unless also accessing services through WIOA and/or IDEA No Contracts Exceptions Goal is competitive integrated employment Individual and/or their family must receive information and career counseling services every 6 months for the 1st year and annually thereafter as long as they are still receiving subminimum wage Semi-Annual reviews for 1 st 2 years and annually thereafter

11. Impact on Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs WIOA and Changes Supported Employment (50% for youth) Up to 24 months for all with most significant disabilities What is Supported Employment? What does it look like? Extended Services (4 years) Parent engagement

12. Intersection of WIOA and IDEA Special education and related services v. employment readiness services Accessing education v. preparing for or participating in employment Assistive technology Job coaches/paraprofessionals Job placement Transportation HTS/Attendant Care

13. Ideas iJobs and other Summer Programs Project SEARCH Work Adjustment Training School Work Study Autism Work Adjustment Program in Tulsa Job Club Partnership with Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) at Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center (COJC), Southwest Oklahoma Juvenile Center (SWOJC), and Norman Facilities Pilot

14. Partnerships Hands-On Hospitality (Hyatt) Project SEARCH Summer Programs Local, regional, state projects Cross state partnerships Camps College experiences

15. How this changes VR working with schools Earlier outreach Provide services alongside and in collaboration with the school to support student’s skill building Greater leeway to partner with school and community agencies to provide PETS Attending IEPs—when invited! What is a good life? OK’s Community of Practice asked individuals in their network this question. Here are the responses in a video format. http://supportstofamilies.org/what-is-a-good-life/ video http://supportstofamilies.org/what-is-a-good-life/

16. Resources National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) http://www.transitionta.org OK-DRS Transition Information and Resources http://www.okrehab.org/drupal/students/transition Association on Higher Education and Disabilities https://www.ahead.org/students-parents/transitions Emerging Practices identified by states and selected by RSA (you can see specific topics by relevance by clicking on tabs at top) https://rsa.ed.gov/emerging-practices.cfm WIOA places an emphasis on STEM Careers. Here is a good site with info. http://stemcareer.com/ The Top 25 In Demand Jobs and Fastest Growing Occupations http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/76DB6BDB/Top- 25-In-Demand-Jobs-and-Fastest-Growing-Occupations/ http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/76DB6BDB/Top- 25-In-Demand-Jobs-and-Fastest-Growing-Occupations/

17. Contact Information Kimberly Osmani kosmani@okdrs.gov (405) 635-2768 (405) 343-8071 Erin Wilder Erin.wilder@dars.state.tx.us (512) 424-4048