M. Fagbemi National Center on Deaf-Blindness Helen Keller National Center
My Takeaway from Yesterday Identifying challenges and their complexities are easy Having multiple providers from different backgrounds
listen , pair and share are good practices Your presence here demonstrates your dedication Lets continue to wear our many hats together
Our time together.. Overview of Discovery
Identify key components of Customized Employment Lessons Learned
On my way here‌ Former student HKNC Taught himself braille
No opportunities until the mid 1970’s ( Supported Employment)
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Big Fan of Mary Poppins
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious •
PERSONCENTEREDPLANNINGSUPPORTEMPLOYMENTJOBCARVINGINDEPENDENTLIVINGORDEROFSEL ECTIONINDIVIDUALWITHDISABILITIESACTNOCHILDLEFTBEHINDRACETOTHETOPINTERDEPENDENCECA PACITYASSESSMENTACCESSTESTINGLABORMARKETINTERESTSSTRENGTHSCONTRIBUTIONCONDITI ONSALTERNATEASSESSMENTJOBSAMPLINGINTERVIEWSOFTSKILLSHARDSKILLSREPRESENTTIONALP ORTFOLIODISABILITYAWARENESSINCIDENCERATEBEHAVIORSOCIALSKILLSSOCIALADJUSTMENTINCL USIONEQUITYEXPECTATIONSFAMILYENGAGEMENTSELFDETERMINATIONLACKOFMEANINGFULEXPERI ENCENOTWORKREADYCOMMUNITYINTEGRATIONPRODUCTIVITYSINGLESOURCENEGOTIATIONWORKS TUDYVOLUNTEERISMRESUMEPORTFOLIOCAPACITYSKILLSSETPROMPTDEPENDENTSEGREGATEDWO RKSETTINGPIECEMEALSUBMINIMUMWAGEVOCATIONALREHABACT1973EMPLOYMENTPLANNINGMEETI NGPERSONSFUTURESPLANNINGPATHPROCESSECOLOGICALINVENTORYJOBEXPLORATIONINTELECT UALDISABILITYMENTALLYRETARDEDCOGNITIVERATESOCIALADJUSTMENTRELATIONSHIPSIEPOPPORT UNITYPOTENTIALDISCRIMINATIONMYTHSPECIALDIPLOMASUMMARYOFPROGRESSCOLLEGEANDCARE ERREADINESSADAPTIVERELATIONSHIPTECHNOLOGYDISABILITYOFFICETRANSITIONCOORDINATEDAP PROACHROTEEVIDENCEBASEDBOTTOMLINESOFTBIGOTRYELEVATORSPEECHDISCOVERYBLUEPRINT NOVELACTIVITIESHABILITATIONREHABILITATIONPROMPTLEVELSMOCKINTERVIEWCIRCLEOFSUPPORT SWRAPAROUNDSERVCESSYSTEMSERVICEDELIVERYOPPORTUNITY"something to say when you have nothing to say".
• “I don’t know what it all means but it sounds like you don’t either”
National Transition Follow-up Study of Youth Identified as Deafblind “Parent Perspectives” (Petroff, 1999)
The study revealed that upon leaving school, these youth may expect that: ●
They will not go on to participate in post-secondary education;
●
They will experience high rates of unemployment and underemployment;
●
They will probably not live independently;
●
Their repertoire of experiences in community life will be limited;
●
They will create few close relationships (other than with family members)
WHAT THE STUDY REVEALED ABOUT PLANNING AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The majority of students did not received adequate transition planning; Only 40% of the students’ and/or parents’ interests and preferences were identified as a component of the transition planning process; Only 12% of youth and their families were involved in person-centered planning; Of those who engaged in transition planning, the majority didn’t begin until one year prior to school exit;
A very few number of students received community based experiences (vocational or otherwise)
customized employment initiative ď‚— Participating states:
National Consortium on DeafBlindness initiative: Distance Technology – onsite strategic planning meetings 3 year commitment to build the capacity of 11 state deaf-
blind projects to implement CE strategies & replicate Build the capacity of service providers in schools systems
to embed CE within the IEP Build the capacity of adult service agencies to utilize CE as
a strategy to develop and expand employment options
Customized Initiative Eleven deaf-blind projects committed fiscal resources Awareness training with developers of the CE strategy
Conducted via teleconferencing Individual consultations with DB project staff Build the capacity of DB projects to provide technical
assistance to school districts College and career success Develop a model for replication
Process Protocols • Discovery - To guide the process based on the job seeker • Profile – To assure comprehensiveness and everyone on the same page • Plan – to direct the job development activities; tasks, targeted employers • Job portfolio – to introduce CE and the job seeker to the employer • Job Development – to create a job • Job support – to facilitate the best outcome for the job seeker
Customized team members Teacher
Speech therapist Administrator Family
Young Adult Deaf-Blind Project Staff Vocational Rehabilitation Adult services provider
What did we learn about the national initiative Year 1? Interagency collaboration is hard work
It is a strategy adopted by individual choice Labor intensive ! Relationships and rapports matter
Allow team to make mistakes Shortcuts?? There will never be enough laws, policies, processes, documents etc. to force
change” Change is best realized through the relationships we build with those people and groups that have a common interest toward solving a persistent problem or seizing an opportunity” Bill East NASDE 2012
Challenges of DB Youth Communication
Census
Access
Communication Vision Loss Combined Hearing & Vision loss
Sign language
Hearing loss
Communication systems
Census matters Approximately 10,000 school age children birth to 22
years old The nature of low incidence disabilities create
challenges to instruction and supports School systems and adult service delivery systems
Access Deaf-Blindness is the disability of access: People Places
Information Incidental learning
Typical Learning Alsop, L., et. al. (2012) A Family’s Guide to Interveners for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss. Logan, UT: SKI-HI Institute.
Direct Hands-on experiences
Secondary Listening to a person teach or present information
Incidental Occurs automatically without much effort The way most information is learned
Deafblind Learning Alsop, L., et. al. (2012) A Family’s Guide to Interveners for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss. Logan, UT: SKI-HI Institute.
Incidental
Secondary
Direct
Incidental learning usually does not occur and is not effective Secondary learning is difficult
Direct learning and hands-on experiences are essential and the best way to learn
19
What type of information is available to Winfield ?
He knows what outcome is expected
Jake who is standing five feet away from Winfield is learning the same thing
What type of information did Jake need to complete task?
Inclusion – Equity – Opportunity – Expectations – Concept Development
The unique learner challenged in the workplace Concept Development Learn best by doing
• Impacts on ability to learn the work culture
Skills Acquisition
• Isolation
Hard skills are important
• Soft skills are important
For a job seeker with a disability there are obstacles.. • Lower expectations
• The myths about hiring a person with a disability Mismatched jobs
Underemployment
• Self determination
Unemployment
Job retention
• Lack of opportunity
NCDB INITIATIVE 2.0
• • • • • • •
National Agenda Four DB projects Two young adults Local team Web based training Technical assistance Onsite training
Discovery • Foundation of Customized Employment • Exploration of a person’s life • Who is this person? • A journey to discover information about a person that can be translated to work tasks
• Discovery seeks to identify already – existing information rather than developing information solely for the purposes of evaluation or diagnosis • How & what you discover starts with a plan……
Types of Discovery • Self Discovery • Facilitated Discovery • Group Discovery
Facilitated Discovery Authorized Biography
Family
Friends Interview & Observation
Teachers Paraeducators
Copious Documentation
Church congregation
The importance of Discovery • Discovery is the foundation of customization. The lessons learned in discovery have a direct impact on the negotiations with employers and should be reflected in the customized job descriptions for job seekers.
Focus areas of Discovery • • • • • • • • • • •
Identifying Personal Information Residential/Domestic Information Educational Information Work Experience Information Summary of Present Level of Performance Preferences Connections Learning and Performance Characteristics Flexibility/Accommodations Future visions Other Important Information
When to do Discovery • During Typical Activities of Life This aspect comprises the majority of discovery interactions. Just be there. • During Planned Familiar Activities This aspect is done once or twice during discovery in places where the individual is at his or her best. • During Planned Novel Activities This activity is done once during discovery. Make sure the novel activity makes sense.(Marc Gold & Associates)
Implementing the Discovery process • Prior to high school years, students have opportunity to explore life after high school before entering transition years • Eight weeks of uncovering the best of the student, gathering information, and describing the student • One week of creating a vision of the student’s future regarding life upon leaving school
Documenting discovered information Narrative: Written narrative of the information in the focus areas and any additional categories Visual: PowerPoint presentation or picture book of the information in the narrative presented in pictures and words (available for group viewing prior to the IEP and Transition Plan)
Life Book: Pictures of the student with family and friends engaged in activities using captions, mementos, and written pages of the information in the focus areas
Activities to gather information • Teachers, parents, student and others take pictures at events. • Teachers observe students to provide insight on “the best of who they are” and write it in the Life Book or Personal Profile. • Teachers and families work together to gather information both in school and out of school. • Teachers may identify a peer to partner with a student to gather additional information.
Scenario # 1 • A census taker makes an appointment to come to your house for purposes of gathering on family members, income, housing values. The meeting is held in your living room. The census taker asks very discrete questions from a pre – set and writes information while you respond. The offer of a beverage is declined and as soon as the interview is complete, the census taker thanks you and leaves for another appointment down the street ( Marc Gold & Associates)
Scenario # 2 • Your new next door neighbor drops by to borrow the traditional cup of sugar. You welcome the neighbor in with an offer of a cup of coffee, which is accepted. You both take a seat in your living room and & a conversation begins that touches on topics as far – ranging as weather, sports, the local school system, directions to the shopping mall & your mother –in law’s visit next week. After about an hour, the neighbor says its time to get back home and the conversation continues out the front walk & re –establishes itself when your spouse comes with new topics & sharing. Finally after about an hour & a half your neighbor leaves to go home with promises of getting together sometime next week. (Marc Gold & Associates)
Questions to consider : • Which scenario was most successful in determining who we are and how we feel? • Which scenario resulted in more discrete information that could be used for social / planning?
It is the same setting and same homeowner but there is a distinction…
Can we have the best of both… • Effective Discovery asks us to develop an interview style that feels more like a conversation. • Effective Discovery asks that you let the person know the general direction of the conversation/ interview. • Decide quickly on how this information will be captured
The iceberg Analogy of Discovery We need to know who the job seeker is and than who the job seeker isn’t
What we usually know
Discovery & Customization are compatible concepts Sequential and important to facilitate employment for job seekers who might not otherwise achieve employment.
We need to know much more ( Excerpts from Partners in Transition ppt. presentation 8/12/08)
Strategies to consider.. 1) Census taker: Formal Factual More discrete information 2) Neighbor: Informal About feelings More conversational
Discovery • The tools of Discovery are comprised of interview and conversation, observation and time together, review of info and organization of info. (Bodgan & Bilkin 1998; Taylor & Bodgan, 1998)
Discovery can lead to no where.. • Discovery can be viewed as simplistic • The process is often accelerated and details about a person’s life is forgotten.
• We think we know the person so therefore there is nothing else to know.
Discovery in the educational setting • Gather information to plan specific interventions for accessing the curriculum and planning transition. • Conduct functional authentic assessment that is independent of perceived complexities in ones life.
• Document information in a manner that creates a capacity picture of the student.
Peer to peer group discovery
Using time in Discovery… How :
For what:
Observation
Interests
Interview
Contributions
Digital Pictures
Performance of job tasks
Video
Conditions
Steps of Discovery
Tour the neighborhood, observe surroundings, make a list of businesses, transportation, near the individual’s home. Interview the job seeker and family about their routines Provide Social Security benefits information and explain a benefits analysis Ask for names of individuals, both personal and professionals who the individual/family feels know the person the best. With the job seeker’s permission and following the visit to the home, meet with and interview with these people. Observe the job seeker as they engage in typical life activities to determine their performance, interests, connections and other important perspectives
More steps of Discovery
Observe an unfamiliar activity that they haven’t tried before or a place they haven’t gone before to obtain more information about support needs, reactions, attention to natural cues, etc. Return to job seeker’s home for additional information, unstructured conversation, observation, and further interviews. 1 – 3 additional visits are recommended. Review files, memorabilia and records of past and current activities services. Focus on files that reflect an optimistic, success-based perspective Develop a written, visual or alternative format profile of the job seeker
After Discovery Hold a Customized Planning Meeting to develop a plan for job development. Develop a representational portfolio for the job seeker using visual and narrative information developed during discovery and the Customized Planning Meeting. Using list of possible employers and contacts developed at the Planning Meeting, begin contacting employers to look for a good fit. Negotiate employment. Begin work
Discovery leads to Customizing A job is developed in the area of the job seeker’s
interests. This provides the motivation &desire for the job seeker to be their best The ideal conditions are matched to the environment
of the work site & to the job tasks The job seeker’s contributions lead towards the tasks
a job seeker can offer an employer thus a customized job description
Meet Ramon‌
A snapshot of Ramon’s complex life Lack of formal education
Mismatched job
Hearing loss
placements Job retention Soft skills Environment Hygiene issues
Health Behavior challenges Maturity / Youth
Typical Labor market approach Self directed search Differential Aptitude test Situational Assessments Vocational Assessments tools Those with more skills and less complexities
are valued more
Customized Process: Discovery of the job seeker – Who is Ramon? Capturing discovery through profiles – What did we
learn about Ramon’s abilities, interests that will help us find the right job? Portfolio/visual resume development – How can we best present Ramon’s abilities to an employer? Job development and negotiation – What does an employer need that Ramon’s can provide that is good for them both? Job site analysis, accommodations, support- What will Ramon need to make the job successful
Ramon needs a job What did we know
before? Likes physical activities Fixes electronics Social butterfly Loves video games Jobs in stock room Cafeteria
Ramon needs a job he can keep Video games were his
passion How much did he play What type of skills were needed Written vocational profile The video game was not the main attraction Headphones..
Online community
Now that we knew who Ramon is what will he do for work?
Employment planning meeting Ramon needed someone to
help represent the best of him Ramon needed someone to help facilitate this information on his behalf Ramon needed someone to document it Ramon needed someone to develop the job(s)
Ramon’s job search using Customized Employment Discovery of the job seeker – Who is Ramon? Capturing discovery through profiles – What did we
learn about Ramon’s abilities, interests that will help us find the right job? Portfolio/visual resume development – How can we best present Ramon’s abilities to an employer? Job development and negotiation – What does an employer need that Ramon can provide that is good for them both? Job site analysis, accommodations, support- What will Ramon need to make the job successful
BEST BUYELECTRONICS • Best Buy launched video games initiative • Purchased used games & electronics • Online community inquiring about buy back program , exchanges • Ramon attained a position in their customer support department
Ramon’s negotiated job What we discovered
Employer need
Part of a gaming community
Needed a service center People person Demo games and make Spanish speaking Likes to problem solve Works better in the afternoon
recommendations for similar types Coordinate and catalog Facebook and email addresses for future promotions
Customized Employment • A blend of services that combines good employment practices to assist in developing a negotiated job which is based upon the discrete needs of the employer and the interests and strengths of the job seeker (Dept. of Labor)
Customized employment An individualized approach to providing access to employment for all students and adults with complex lives Customized employment means individualizing the employment relationship between employees and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the person with a disability, and is also designed to meet the specific needs of the employer ( Office of Disability Employment Policy 2001)
Under the Umbrella of Customized Employment • • • • • •
Discovery of the job seeker Capturing discovery through profiles Customized, person-centered planning Portfolio/visual resume development Job development and negotiation Job site analysis, accommodations, support
Features of Customized Employment • Employees earn at least minimum wage up to the prevailing wage • Job seeker is represented by person who can knows and can represent them best.
• Focus on tasks not job titles
Features of Customized Employment • Starts with the individual as the source of information and direction to labor force • Applicable to all users of workforce system • Includes on-going supports and reasonable accommodations, as appropriate
Features of Customized Employment The focus is on the job seeker’s preferences, talents , life
experiences and dreams rather than challenges or limitations Concerns & complexities are considered solvable thru negotiation and support, and must not become reasons to rule out career options Job seeker is always the primary source of information Planning process focuses on community based integrated
employment that pays a competitive wage ( Marc Gold & Associates)
Customization must include.. • Role of developer
• Questions to consider:
• Research the company!
• What is the work culture?
• Request for informational interview & tour
• Shared responsibilities ?
• Tasks that occur episodically?
Strategies for implementation Tour the neighborhood, observe surroundings, make a list
of businesses, transportation, near the individual’s home. Interview the job seeker and family about their routines Ask for names of individuals, both personal and
professionals who the individual/family feels know the person the best. With the job seeker’s permission and following the visit to the home, meet with and interview with these people. Observe the job seeker as they engage in typical life activities to determine their performance, interests, connections and other important perspectives. (Marc Gold & Associates)
Categories of Customized Employment Single source job descriptions based on tasks derived from a
single traditional job Multiple source job descriptions based on tasks derived from a variety of jobs Created job descriptions based on heretofore unmet needs of a work setting Contract jobs based on single or multiple source or created job descriptions performed under a contract Micro-enterprises based on the unmet needs of a local market
The perspective of the employer • Hiring Challenges – – – –
Nature of the work Not knowing accommodation costs Cannot find qualified candidates Reduction of company bottom line
• Hiring Concerns – – –
Costs Lack of skills and experience Less safe and productive
Negotiating talking points • Essential responsibilities of a job as detailed in job descriptions; and/or • Non-essential responsibilities or expectations that might include: – Time, hours, location, etc for work to be performed – Support and supervision strategies – Productivity and outcome expectations
Food for thought… • The concept of customization is not a foreign one to most employers…. • Everyone does something well.
Customized Employment Initiative Ramon’s team learned College and career readiness require action Never to early to think about the future Every individualized education plan should have some clear student
directed goals with opportunities to engage in routines & new activities
Early and frequent exposure to various experiences work and non work
related are great stepping stones for a young person maturing into adulthood
Lessons learned :
what do you want to do?
Avoid asking the job seeker this question
Why ? Limits the job seeker’s employment options Start to identify job titles / back to a large pool of applicants Who knows what they want to do anyway
Strategies to support employment in postsecondary programs
Go to college Get a Job Or BOTH
Know your students Know your campus connections
Know the businesses Negotiate to win
To get a BETTER JOB!!!
The Vision Social Connections
Increased independence & responsibility Paid employment in an integrated community setting
with appropriate supports Connected to adult support systems Access to postsecondary education or adult learning
Challenges that cause impediments to employment Vision loss
Liability concerns
Hearing loss
Myths related to
Communication
disabilities Independent living Self-care Self-direction
Cognitive disabilities Physical Disabilities Mobility
Structure Paid employment is a PROGRAM GOAL Student self determination
Family engagement Dedicated Job Development Staff Flex time
Trained College Coursework tied into CAREER PLAN Classes based on job interests Scheduling and Transportation Job supports & getting to and from work
The importance of Employment ď‚— For youth with disabilities , one of the most important research findings
shows that work experience during high school helps them get jobs at higher wages after they graduate. NCWD/Youth ,hot topic work learning2003 volume 2 ď‚— Secondary school students with disabilities who worked for pay outside
the home in the preceding year before exit and / or have participated in a work study program at school, have an increased chance for employment in their post school years. Changes over times in the Early post school outcomes with disabilities
Data from the national vocational rehabilitation database show that youth with ID who participated in postsecondary education were 26% more likely to leave voc rehab services with a paid job and earn a 73% higher weekly income
Why post secondary programs are ideal for employment A college campus is its own world of work Every student’s focus is CAREER
Career resources all over campus Training opportunities Students can take coursework in their fields of interest
Career exploration Skills development that opens doors
Perceived Barriers to Employment No skills –most jobs are too difficult for people with
sensory disabilities The economy – no opportunities Fear – Employers don’t want to / won’t hire people who
have sensory disabilities
Actual Barriers To Employment Lower expectations by key stakeholders Lack of trained job development professionals
Limited knowledge of the market Uneducated employers Some logistics ( transportation, child care etc.)
Solutions To Actual Barriers Raise expectations of student outcomes Spend more time educating employers about the
benefits of hiring these young college students Customize the job search , acquisition and maintenance to each student Planning with all stakeholders
Strategies to assist students in getting jobs Discovery and assessment Job Search Plan
Research and marketing to employers Customize and negotiate Problem solve with stakeholders
Customer Service and Follow-Along
Critical Elements Connecting college experience with employment
Providing access to college coursework Connecting the experience to real outcomes
Employment Success Paid work is the goal from day one Hire dedicated trained staff person for job
development Practice customized employment strategies where appropriate Include in job description specific duties and flex time Ensure that students understand and can communicate their support needs
Positive outcomes for students Ability to gain access to adult learning opportunities Expanded social networks
Opportunity to connect learning to personal desired
outcome Individualized and enhanced employment outcomes Socially valued roles and experience
Strategies to assist students in getting jobs Discovery and assessment Job Search Plan
Research and marketing to employers Customize and Negotiate Problem-solve with stakeholders
Customer service and follow along
Discovery and assessment Non traditional
Observe in multiple settings Get feedback from stakeholders CONFIRM SKILLS!!!
POSITIVE PERSONAL PROFILE -likes , dislikes , personality traits, values, strengths, support needs,skills,interests,talents,dreams and goals,learning styles,experiences,temperament,environmental preferences
Build a “Positive Personal Profile Believe in your job seeker
Focus on skills – not deficits No prerequisites Everyone is “job ready”
Look for “rays of light” What will employer value about the job seeker
Get to know students Students groups Campus activities
Extracurriculars Peer mentors Coursework
Approaching Employers : Where do you start looking? Career Center
Neighborhood
Colleges or departments
Places where you are a
Work study
customer Industrial parks Your own personal network Mom & Pop shops
Campus internships Student groups
What do Employers want to hear from us? Old Marketing
New Marketing We represent...
Hire the Handicapped Charity orientation Selling disability
Motivated employees who
are excited about working Candidates with skills sets that add value to their workforce Business solutions that improve the company’s productivity and/or workflow
Research & Marketing to Employers Explore the local market & match to job search plan Network
Get your foot in the door – elevator speech Sell yourself and services Develop a rapport – often takes time
Talk business to business Disability disclosure options
Informational Interviews Foot in the door
Low pressure Chance to make a great first impression Start of working relationship
Uncover possible opportunities
Informational Interviews Foot in the door
Low pressure Chance to make a great first impression Start of working relationship
Uncover possible opportunities
Make the request easy to say “ Yes” TO! “ I work with job seekers interested in your industry.
Would it be possible for me to come see what you do and talk to you about the skill sets needed to work in this field so I can better counsel the job seekers I serve
During your visit, find out these things about the employer Known for ; proud of
Array of skills sets required Production / operation challenges Work culture
Spot ways to help the employer Serve more customers or improve services Increase efficient use of…
Resources Time Staff
Save money Earn more money
Be on the lookout Possible ways to improve work flow
Employees bogged down with important yet non
essential tasks Core staff who struggle to manage their work loads Customers unhappy Duties that might be performed in a different way- but will yield excellent outcomes Reciprocation with college entities (teaching , research, internships)
Spot ways to help the employer Serve more customers or improve services
Increase efficient use of .... Resources Time
Staff Save money Earn more money
Person Centered Planning Student – driven goals Careers based on students interests , strengths and
support needs Students monitor own progress Eliminate barriers to desired experiences Help students connect achievement in college with adult outcomes Plans change ! Allow room for that change and adjust future plans
Customized Employment in Action: Processes A) Career Assessment
1. Person Centered Planning 2. Community –based b) Matching Coursework / extracurricular 1. Connect classes to career 2. Explore interests through clubs c) Soft skills d) Career exploration search and acquisition Internships , job try –outs , on campus experiences e) Support and follow along Post hire consulting
Staff Roles Teaching Skills
Self –determination / independence Marketing Community / campus liaison Supporting Guidance On the job / classroom Coordinating Schedules / activities Program management Consulting Customer support ( students , employers ,professors , families )
DEFICITS VS. ASSETS Noah’s Journey
Customized Employment Strategies for Addressing Complexities & Contributions
The client-centered, TEAM foundation:
NCDB: Technical Assistance
Vocational Rehab: self-employment goal
VR + Contractor: Benefits & Business Planning
FL D-B Project: Technical Assistance (TA), Discovery, & Linkages
Client (Noah) & Facilitator (Mom)
Community college
HCBS Waiver Support Coordinator: Support Plan
Agency for Persons with (Developmental) Disabilities: waiver-funded ongoing supports
“Wrap Around Services” approach
DVR & VR Contractor
Agency for Persons with Disabilities Client Driven; Family facilitated
NCDB, HKNC, FL D-B Project
Waiver Support Coordinator
Traditional Vocational Assessment would show many deficits: • Noah is unable to speak or use sign language. • Noah does not read or write text. • Noah is unable to stand independently. • Noah does not walk. • Noah cannot use tools. • Noah attends for only limited periods.
DISCOVERY = Who is Noah? COMPLEXITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Interest Areas: music, painting, computer art, adapted sports
Education:
no diploma
Cortical Vision Impairment / Legal Blindness, Severe Hearing Loss in Left Ear,
NOAH
Finished school,
Complexities & Challenges:
Skills: Chooses colors, Paints with adapted tools, Modifies images with computer & switches, Interacts using voice-output devices
Profound Deafness in Right Ear, Nonverbal, Nonambulatory Cerebral Palsy
Supported Employment: Traditional Job Match
Ongoing Supports
Customized Employment Options: carved, negotiated, created job, or
*micro-enterprise (maximum customization) NOAH
“DISCOVERY” as the foundation
What was Discovered about Noah’s Skills and Contributions ? Noah signals that he wants to paint by picking up a paint brush. Noah chooses bold colors, sparkly, and metallic paints. He paints on paper or canvas with long, roundhandled brushes held in his right hand. Sometimes, he will choose stencils to add shapes to his paintings. Noah signals that he wants to use the computer by picking up a mouse. He will look at magnified images of his painting, select portions to modify with a switch, select effects to apply with a switch, and use a switch to print the resulting image for his portfolio. Noah has sold paintings to raise funds for his Boys & Girls Club. He has also helped create notecards from his paintings for friends and family. He displayed his portfolio and notecards at the Family CafÊ conference. With a partner (Mom) helping to hold, Noah guides a small paint brush.
A canvas can be turned several times, so that Noah is always painting at eye level.
With the paper closer to him, Noah fills a painting with color.
With a partner (Dad) helping to locate the boundary, Noah starts a new painting.
Service team develops the best approach to self-employment using discovery information (“personal profile”) to help develop a customized microenterprise. *Noah paints as often and as much as he chooses. *Noah can modify each painting with the computer to produce multiple images.
*Each of Noah’s images can be added to his portfolio and made into various products. picasaweb.google.com/noahv89 *Customers will select their chosen images and products from Noah’s Café Press store. www.cafepress.com/cp/info/sell/
*Noah can also travel with his family and friends to sell his art at craft fairs and flea markets.
Voc rehab shares their perspective • VR agencies should consider exploratory approaches instead / addition to assessment
Job development strategies must follow the customized plan
“Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” Confucius Work helps to organize various aspects of your life and
makes it more meaningful Everyone should be given an opportunity to contribute
and participate in the daily fabric of their communities If you find something that you like to do you will probably be very good at it
Everyone customizes..
Contact Info mike.fagbemi@hknc.org
Thank you!!!
www.nationaldb.org
Resources • ODEP –Office of Disability Employment Policy, Customized Employment fact sheets www.dol.gov/odep/more.htm#fact • Marc Gold & Associates www.MarcGold.com Samples of Customized Employment with students www.myti.org NCWD- National Center on Workforce & Disability www.onestops.info
Thank you !!!
I hope this presentation was helpful!