Handouts

Key agency partners will present an overview of the concept of "Employment First", the status of the Employment First Executive Order and Plan, and the services being developed to facilitate an "Employment First" culture within education, state government, and the provider community.

Presenter: Devon Grant

Berks County Transition Coordinating Council (BCTCC) strives to develop collaborative strategies that work for transitioning youth. Changes associated with the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) create opportunities and challenges for cross-system collaboration at the local level. This presentation will explore what BCTCC is learning as they develop processes, partnerships, and practices in response to WIOA changes.

Presenter: Mazzoni, Merrick, Smale, Zale

Have you ever been worried that people who are unaware of their bias are making decisions that affect your future? For youth with disabilities preparing to transition into post-secondary settings, worry and fear that decisions made may be tainted by bias can be overwhelming. For leaders in education and in industries employing people with disabilities, it is critical to understand 1) implicit bias, 2) the impact of bias, and 3) strategies for interrupting bias. Participants will learn how to consider bias through the Ladder of Inference - a mental model to help interrupt implicit bias. Participants will also walk through the Continuum of Proficiency, and the five Essential Elements of Cultural Competence.

Presenter: Sielke Caparelli

Presenters from the Reading OVR office will provide suggestions and strategies on how to conduct outreach to the business community as well as highlight events and activities incorporating local employers that can be used to prepare youth with disabilities for successful employment outcomes.

Presenter: Multiple Presenters

The session will incorporate an open panel discussion involving community employers and individuals with disabilities who have found employment success. Join these panelist to hear how working with a community provider made a difference in their workplace and lives.

Presenter: Kathy Crouch, Stacy Kyle

This session will provide youth with the tools they need to lead their own IEP meetings. The presentation will include a panel of youth and families who will share their experiences, provide examples and engage participates to share their successes, concerns, and questions.

Presenter: Kelly King, David Perry, Diane Perry

Penn State Harrisburg's Career Studies Program is providing new visions and expectations for youth and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Students combine coursework in an inclusive setting, campus activities, and career exploration. Student, family, and peer mentor perceptions of the program and its impact will be provided along with a brief program overview.

Presenter: Eby, Rhen, Rinehart, Slatt

Self-Advocacy is an essential quality that all people need to possess. Young Adults with disabilities have the same need to express themselves, but sometimes do it differently, according to individual need. This session will challenge youth to accept themselves, work to the best of their abilities, and learn a more effective way to have their personal working needs met.

Presenter: Mary Beth Morgan

The Pittsburgh Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS) Continuum Model was developed to bridge the gaps between schools, employers, and OVR’s priorities. This model is a guide to ensure students with disabilities are given the opportunity to receive the services necessary in order to increase community integrated employment outcomes. The presenters will go into detail on the collaborative process including: scheduling of meetings with all the team members, assessing existing services and processes first, and filling in the gaps with current business needs. The results of the first year will be reviewed and participants will be provided with a toolkit on how to replicate the continuum.

Presenter: Shannon Austin, Kim Robinson

This workshop will empower youth and others with disabilities who want to work in the community. Hear from a member of the National Organization "Self-Advocates becoming empowered" (SABE), about self-advocacy strategies for real work. Gain knowledge from disability rights professionals about benefits planning, reasonable accommodations at work, and more!

Presenter: Jean Searle, Dale Verchick, Koert Wehberg