4101 gautier-vancleave rd. ste. 102 gautier, ms 39553 (228) 497-6999 marc gold & associates©1...
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Marc Gold & Associates© 14101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery: Finding the Direction to Facilitate Successful Employment
A process for guiding transition to employment for students and
adults with disabilities
Marc Gold & Associates© 24101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The essence of discovery
• Discovery: to gain insight or knowledge of something previously unseen or unknown; to notice or realize; to make known, reveal, disclose
Marc Gold & Associates© 34101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
What we usually know about the people we try to assist – just the tip of the iceberg
We need to know much more
The Iceberg Analogy of Discovery
Marc Gold & Associates© 44101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The role of discovery
Discovery provides, in a non-traditional, common-sense form, the information needed to determine the strengths, needs, and interests of any person with complex life issues.
This is accomplished by simply
addressing the question, “Who is this person?”
Marc Gold & Associates© 54101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery and Customization
These are compatible concepts that are used sequentially to facilitate employment for students who might otherwise not achieve employment.
Discovery provides the foundation information for individuals that is then used to customize a position with an employer.
Marc Gold & Associates© 64101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery and Traditional Procedures
• Discovery seeks to identify already-existing information rather than developing information solely for the purposes of evaluation or diagnosis.
• Identifying a direction for employment is based on information obtained from the person's entire life and not from an instance of performance.
Marc Gold & Associates© 74101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery and Traditional Procedures
• The discovery process focuses more on ecological validity than predictive validity. It is more important that the direction to employment makes sense in relation to a person's life than to attempt to predict success based on test performance.
• The information of discovery is used only as a guide for matching and customization and may not used to systematically exclude a person from employment.
Marc Gold & Associates© 84101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery and Traditional Procedures
• By implementing discovery, we try to identify the real complexities faced by the individual and attempt to negotiate and match employment that fits, rather than putting the burden of resolving complexities solely on the individual.
• The profile strategy seeks to empower and involve applicants, their families and friends rather than to exclude them. Natural, common sense approaches to employment are given priority over strategies which rely solely on professional judgment and service.
Marc Gold & Associates© 94101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Need for Discovery
• Discovery is often assumed, we think “what we see is what they’ve got.”
• Information on an individual is often disjointed, different people have different parts of the “puzzle.”
Marc Gold & Associates© 104101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Need for Discovery
Complexity is like a fog, obscuring the best of who people are.– Discovery shows us the impact of life
complexity on work. – When we discover rather than presume
and diagnose, a useful description of a person starts to emerge.
– Discovery shows possibilities and leads to things a person is motivated to do rather than to fears, negativity and deficits.
Marc Gold & Associates© 114101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery is…
• A process that involves getting to know people, or helping them get to know themselves, before we help them plan
• Spending time with applicants, instead of testing or evaluating them, as a means of finding out who they are
• The best way to find out the best that people have to offer
• A common-sense strategy to determine complexities and preferences
Marc Gold & Associates© 124101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery is…
• A way to identify the unique contributions offered by those who might not compete as well as others
• Enhanced when we get to know people in settings where they are most who they are
• Not a plan, but the foundation of employment planning, that seeks to customize outcomes
• Compatible with self-determination and customer choice
Marc Gold & Associates© 134101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery allows us to determine who the applicant is, their complexities, and potential contributions to employers.
Discovery Process
Responsibilities
Challenges
Transportation
Complexities
Hobbies
Skills
Interest Areas
Education
Self-Image
Marc Gold & Associates© 144101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Approaches to Discovery
Discovery can either be: 1. Facilitated by someone else,
typically an employment professional
Who is he?
Marc Gold & Associates© 154101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Approaches to Discovery
2. Part of a group experience
These guys will
help me
discover
myself
It’s a two way street
Marc Gold & Associates© 164101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Approaches to Discovery
3. Accomplished through “self-discovery”
Individuals can “paint” their own picture of who they are.
Who am I?
Marc Gold & Associates© 174101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Approaches to Discovery
4. Supported through “Coached” Discovery
“Coach”
Involves assisting an individual through both self and group discovery
Self-discovery
Group discovery
Marc Gold & Associates© 184101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Let’s Experience Discovery: Ask your partner…
1) What skill do you have that most people don’t know about?
2) Where/when are you at your best?3) Where/when are you at your worst?4) Other than spouse/parents/partner/
kids, who would you like to give information about you?
5) What event(s) most shaped your life?
Marc Gold & Associates© 194101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery facts
• Average hours required for Discovery = 20 hours (range 16-24 hrs)
• Average time frame for Discovery = 4 weeks (range 3 – 6 wks)
• We recommend a team effort of 2 – 4 members while learning discovery
Marc Gold & Associates© 204101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
20 Steps to Successful Discovery
The following steps will provide you with a tool to organize the interactions necessary for discovery. We recommend that you use the Discovery Log as a data form to take you through the sequence of activities.
Marc Gold & Associates© 214101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
1. Getting Started
Explain Customized Employment, Discovery process, and Vocational Profile to job seeker and family in an office/school environment.
Marc Gold & Associates© 224101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
2. “Paperwork” aspects
Complete identification information from Profile Form as a part of Step 1, before visiting the home. Have family confirm that information is complete and accurate. Avoid sensitive aspects as necessary such as specific ages of family members.
Marc Gold & Associates© 234101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
3. Outcome of process
Determine the outcome for this individual of the Discovery Process -- school based work experience, paid job experience, a job to be held long term, a volunteer position, etc.
Marc Gold & Associates© 244101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
4. Scheduling initial visit to home
Schedule an initial meeting with job seeker and family at the job seeker’s home (or alternate location if family or job seeker is not comfortable inviting you to their home). This is a critical aspect of discovery and an explanation of “why” may be necessary.
Marc Gold & Associates© 254101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Procedural note
While gathering information during Discovery, capture the person’s skills, contributions, and performance of job tasks we strongly recommend that you take observational/interview notes and digital pictures to assist in the development of a narrative or visual profile information and for their Representational Portfolio.
Marc Gold & Associates© 264101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 5. Scoping out the neighborhood
Before or immediately after the visit to the job seeker’s home, tour the neighborhood and observe surroundings, safety, businesses, culture, transportation, services near the home, etc. Make a list of businesses near the individual’s home.
Marc Gold & Associates© 274101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 6. First visit to the home
Meet with job seeker and family for 1-1 ½ hours in their home
• interview the job seeker and family about their routines
• ask about formal responsibilities, chores • inquire about community activities • if the job seeker is willing, have them show room
you their room• have them demonstrate how they do chores and
what they do for activities• observe interactions, living context, indications of
interests, current skills
Marc Gold & Associates© 284101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 7. Benefits discussion
Provide Social Security benefits information and explain a benefits analysis
• Ask if the individual receives SSI or SSDI.
• Ask about concerns, issues, questions about SSA benefits
• Ask if family would like you to schedule a benefits analysis
Marc Gold & Associates© 294101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 8. Interviewing persons who know the job seeker
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 (teachers, agency staff, counselors, other related services staff, friends, neighbors, etc.) to obtain more information about the job seeker’s interests, support needs, successful support strategies, and performance in various activities, as well as to identify connections.
Marc Gold & Associates© 304101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 9. Observation of activities
From the information gathered, identify several typical life activities that the job seeker participates in successfully (at school, in a favorite community activity, church, a familiar store, etc.) and observe the job seeker as they engage in these activities to determine their performance, interests, connections and other important perspectives.
Marc Gold & Associates© 314101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 10. Participation in familiar activity
Ask the individual and family to determine a context and an activity outside the home in which the individual is the most familiar and most competent. Accompany the individual as he/she participates in this activity to determine skills, relationships, supports, etc.
Marc Gold & Associates© 324101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 11. Participation in a novel activity
Based on the job seeker’s interests, determine an unfamiliar activity that they haven’t tried before or a place they haven’t gone before and participate in this activity with them. Observe to obtain more information about support needs, reactions, attention to natural cues, etc.
Marc Gold & Associates© 334101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 12. Return visits to home
Return to job seeker’s home for additional information, unstructured conversation, observation, and further interviews. 1 – 3 additional visits are recommended.
These return visits are often more informal and can be longer, if approved by the job seeker and family.
Marc Gold & Associates© 344101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 13. Review of information
Review files, memorabilia and records of past and current activities services. Focus on files that reflect an optimistic, success-based perspective and avoid those that dwell on negatives. Seek out both professional and personal information for review, including old photos.
Marc Gold & Associates© 354101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 14. Recording information
Record information obtained throughout Discovery in interview notes and observation notes as well as with digital photos. Be descriptive and positive in your note writing. Take notes following all discovery interactions. Gather all written information and notes, including records, prior to writing a profile.
Marc Gold & Associates© 364101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 15. Determine format for Profile
Based upon the audience for the Profile determine if this information should be captured in a visual Profile, narrative profile or other format such as through discovery meeting notes, vignettes, etc.
Marc Gold & Associates© 374101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 16. Develop the Profile
Develop a written, visual or alternative format profile of the job seeker following the format provided in the profile training. This activity should take from 3 – 5 hours.
Marc Gold & Associates© 384101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 17. Disseminate Profile
Provide a copy of draft Vocational Profile or other format to job seeker and family for their review, suggestions and approval. Any Profile format must be approved by the job seeker/family prior to the Customized Planning Meeting.
Marc Gold & Associates© 394101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 18. Schedule Planning Meeting
Schedule a Customized Planning Meeting with input and assistance from the job seeker/family within two weeks of the completion of the profile.
Marc Gold & Associates© 404101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 19. Hold CE Planning Meeting
Hold a Customized Planning Meeting to develop a plan for job development. This meeting should be held between 1 - 2 weeks after Discovery and Profile are completed.
Marc Gold & Associates© 414101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Step 20. Develop a Portfolio
Develop a representational portfolio for the job seeker using visual and narrative information developed during discovery and the Customized Planning Meeting.
Marc Gold & Associates© 424101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Meet Andrew in High School
Andy was a typical young person with a disability
Marc Gold & Associates© 434101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The School’s view of Andy
At eighteen years old, he was still viewed as a young child who was not “ready” to enter into a life as an employed adult
Marc Gold & Associates© 444101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Testing results…
• “able to remain focused for approx. 30 minutes”
• “he would say ‘too hard’ and cease work’
• Reading Comp: 1.6 grade level
• SRA non-verbal reasoning test: 4th percentile
• Minn. Clerical test: 1st percentile, timed & un-timed
• WREST: “very poor range in all areas
• Productivity rate 6%• On work samples:
“accuracy improved very slowly with practice and constant one-one supervision”
Marc Gold & Associates© 454101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The negative impression of testing
“Relative to all work samples administered, it appeared that Mr. Cosel’s performance was best when tasks involved no more than one or two steps.”
“Due to Mr. Cosel’s very low level of productivity and his need for constant supervision, traditional employment is not feasible at this time. Training and education which enables him to practice simple manual skills such as packaging and sorting should be explored in the future.”
Marc Gold & Associates© 464101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Beyond the Presumptions of Evaluation
In order to find an optimistic path towards employment, in light of poor test performance and low expectations, it was necessary to get to know Andy much more deeply than who he seemed to be those who knew him professionally.
Marc Gold & Associates© 474101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery provided a new picture of Andy
Marc Gold & Associates© 484101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
New dimensions of his personality, skills and interests
His pastime activities gave us insight into skills that the tests did not identify
Marc Gold & Associates© 494101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Andy’s hobbies and interests gave perspective to his overall character
From Computers
To musical interests…
Marc Gold & Associates© 504101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Getting personal
From bathing…
To toileting accommodations
Marc Gold & Associates© 514101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Family and friends
Marc Gold & Associates© 524101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Marc Gold & Associates4101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102, Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Support from his service dog
Marc Gold & Associates© 534101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Employment experiences
Delivering cash receipts
Assisting warehouse personnel
Marc Gold & Associates© 544101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Importance of Discovery
Facilitated Discovery provided a clear, alternative picture of Andy. It provided sufficient information and direction to develop a plan for customized job development.
Andy started work at teaching hospital at SUNY Stoney Brook on Long Island after job development by his family.
Marc Gold & Associates© 554101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Andy is responsible for delivery of data processing information to 82 departs. within the hospital
Marc Gold & Associates© 564101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Still working…
Andy is still working today, fifteen years later.
Marc Gold & Associates© 574101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
And still painting…
Marc Gold & Associates© 584101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The tools of Facilitated Discovery
The tools of facilitated discovery can be intuitive and informal, but they are also the time-honored tools of qualitative researchers: interview and conversation, observation and time together, review of existing information and organization of newly discovered information.
Marc Gold & Associates© 594101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Strategies for Facilitated Discovery
• Conversation
• Interview
• Time together
• Observation
• Participation with the applicant in activities both familiar and novel
• Finally, Review of records
Marc Gold & Associates© 604101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Additional Strategies for Facilitated Discovery
When above strategies are not sufficient:
• Structured situational assessments or discrepancy analyses
• Targeted evaluations to answer specific questions
Marc Gold & Associates© 614101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
When to do Discovery
• During Typical Activities of LifeThis aspect comprises the majority of discovery
interactions. Just be there.
• During Planned Familiar ActivitiesThis aspect is done once or twice during
discovery in places where the individual is at his/her best.
• During Planned Novel ActivitiesThis activity is done once during discovery.
Make sure the novel activity makes sense.
Marc Gold & Associates© 624101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
When to do discovery
General interactions: Discovery is possible during general, non-focused time spent with a targeted individual. This is often done as part of a non-related, group activity such as during classroom activities for teachers or unscheduled time for adult staff or family members.
Facilitators need strategies to do this approach effectively. We recommend using the concepts of remarkable moments and intentional moments.
Marc Gold & Associates© 634101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
When to do discovery
Scheduled Interactions: In most instances facilitated discovery is conducted through a series of planned interactions with the individual and others with positive and useful information.
These interactions include visits to the individual’s home, conversational interviews, participation in activities, planned and informal and observations.
Marc Gold & Associates© 644101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
When to do discovery
Focused Group interactions: Discovery can occur within intentional times involving a group of individuals who are focusing on discovery as a topic. People can work individually or as part of a participatory activity to develop information.
Facilitators should observe and take notes of the outcomes of the activities as well as collect samples of the individuals’ work.
Marc Gold & Associates© 654101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Remarkable moments
Remarkable moments refer to the strategy of focusing on those aspects of the individual of concern’s performance/behavior that are felt to be of sufficient significance to merit our descriptive remarks.
In this way, facilitators who do not have dedicated time for discovery can find these moments of time to write up the description of the behavior/performance.
Marc Gold & Associates© 664101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Intentional moments
Intentional moments refer to the strategy of planning for a specific time in the near future for a focus on discovery and descriptive writing, regardless of whether the performance is “remarkable”.
We recommend that a 2 – 4 minute focus period be planned for discovery purposes. Facilitators should plan for this observation during times when the individual is likely to be engaged in performance activity.
Marc Gold & Associates© 674101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Recalling what you’ve discovered
• Prepare for the Discovery interaction
• Stay focused during the interaction
• If you need to take notes, ask for permission
• Use words, phrases or photos
• Before you drive, take notes in your car
• Use the Profile outline
• Avoid using audio tapes or video cameras
• Don’t wait too long
Marc Gold & Associates© 684101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Notes for Interview: A format
Job Seeker: ______________________________ Date: __________________Location: ______________________ Facilitator: __________________Respondent:______________________________
Notes (Clue words, phrases, quotes, etc.) Future Action
“I’m a morning person.”
Jammin’ Java
Drives his own car
Takes from 1 hr. to 1 ½ hrs. to prepare for the day with personal assistant
Need to observe Tim transferring into and driving car.
Marc Gold & Associates© 694101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Beyond Asking
Asking works for some of the people some of the time. But…– Different people ask and get different answers.– People often tell us what they think we want to
hear.– The same person can ask at different times and
get different answers.– Too often, people simply do not have an accurate,
thoughtful sound bite with which to answer such a question as important as “What do you want to do?”.
Marc Gold & Associates© 704101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Rule of Thumb for Asking
It’s more important to look at what people do than it is to simply follow what they say.
Of course, we always listen, but it’s necessary to get well beyond listening to verbal answers, into people’s lives.
Marc Gold & Associates© 714101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Observation strategies
There are basically two kinds of observation:
Observation from a position removed from an activity.
Observation from within an activity.
Marc Gold & Associates© 724101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Observation Strategies when Removed from Activity
• Always ask for permission of the individual and others in the setting
• Introduce and explain yourself• Offer to share you notes• Focus on an array of actions: task
performance, social interactions, subtleties, best dimensions
Marc Gold & Associates© 734101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Observation Strategies within Activity
• Try to remember what you see• Take notes afterwards• Offer the individual the “lead”, subtly• Use an “asking” conversational style• Let the individual speak• Wait for the person, allow periods of
silence• Notice small things while you
participate
Marc Gold & Associates© 744101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Observational notes
The following excerpt represents an example of descriptive observation notes:
Megan sat at her desk and matched felt letters to printed letters/words on a poster sheet. There were about 20 words on the sheet. Megan placed the felt letters on the corresponding printed letters in a random manner. When her teacher cued her to start at the beginning of a specific word, Megan looked at the printed letter, scanned the felt letters and picked up and placed the corresponding felt letters on each subsequent printed letter until all printed words were covered.
Marc Gold & Associates© 754101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Observational notesThe following represents an example of
observation notes in an inclusive classroom:
In Arts and Humanities class, Mathew sat at his desk, without talking, as the teacher lectured on musical forms. He leafed through his handout papers as the teacher spoke, occasionally glancing around the room at others. Mathew raised his hand while the teacher continued lecturing on Romance Music. He kept his hand up and behind his head until called on. He asked if there was Jazz and Rock ‘n Roll during that time. The teacher said, “That music didn’t happen for another 50 or 60 years.”
Marc Gold & Associates© 764101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Features of task observation:
• Motivation indicated• Supports offered/used• General Performance: Pace,
correctness, consistency, stamina• Specific Tasks: what is it, does
general performance vary with tasks• Connections• Concerns
Marc Gold & Associates© 774101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Strategies for Reviewing Records
• Get to know the person first • Look for the positive aspects of records• Be skeptical of the record rather than
the individual• Look for possible solutions to
complexities• Follow up with interview of individuals
who seem hopeful in their writing
Marc Gold & Associates© 784101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The “Who” of Discovery
• The person of concern
• Their family and loved ones
• Close and trusted friends
• Neighbors with good relationships
• Professionals who care– Counselors– Teachers– Case managers– Service providers
Marc Gold & Associates© 794101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The “Where” of Discovery
• Home/Living Context: Discovery starts where relationships start – where we live
• Neighborhood• Local Community
• Ethnic group/peer group
• School• One-stop center• Church• Places where the
person is “most who they are”
Marc Gold & Associates© 804101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
The “What” of Discovery:Identifying the best aspects of the person
• Routines• Relationships• Responsibilities• Challenges• Associations• Friendships• Shops and Services
• Tasks• Solutions• Connections• Education• Location• Life performance• Community
inventory
Marc Gold & Associates© 814101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Discovery Reflections
Before we wrap up our discussions on Discovery, let’s reflect on how this process led us to customized employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities.
Marc Gold & Associates© 824101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We discovered that Jenni enjoyed opening Christmas presents. This lead us to her first job.
Marc Gold & Associates© 834101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We learned that Sal enjoyed people and made them comfortable, even with his technology and his significant disability
Marc Gold & Associates© 844101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
James loved live-action cop shows and he has a unique skill for organizing materials
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Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We learned that Marci was “present” when her body was still and that she was still when hearing music.
Marc Gold & Associates© 864101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We discovered Larry waited for the mailman every day at three o’clock…
Marc Gold & Associates© 874101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We learned that Glen and Otto insisted on working together. We also learned that Glen was “addicted” to afternoon Soap Operas and that Otto rarely awoke before 11:00 AM
Marc Gold & Associates© 884101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We discovered Katherine made and served coffee at all family gatherings…
Marc Gold & Associates© 894101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We discovered the men in Robert’s family were all woodworkers…
Marc Gold & Associates© 904101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
We discovered that Kevin had always dreamed of being a club DJ…
Marc Gold & Associates© 914101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Elizabeth always carried a book around. It made her feel she was part of her professionally oriented family.
Marc Gold & Associates© 924101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Buddy and his sister wanted to work in the convent
Marc Gold & Associates© 934101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Anna loved her camera, always taking pictures that were perfectly centered
Marc Gold & Associates© 944101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Caloah always dreamed of being a nurse
Marc Gold & Associates© 954101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Phyliss wanted to work where her friends worked, in a hospital dietary department
Marc Gold & Associates© 964101 Gautier-Vancleave Rd. Ste. 102
Gautier, MS 39553 (228) 497-6999
Let’s all go do Discovery!