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8/3/2017 1 Andrea Merrick, MSW, LSW Lavinia Garcia - Ritter, M.S., M.Ed. Traci Kowalick, MSW, LSW Patricia Lapotsky, M.S., CRC Engaging Employers and Educating Students : Outreach and Events to Encourage Working Relationships 1 Audience Who is Here? Teachers/School Personnel Employment Agency Staff Parents Youth/Students OVR Staff Other Organizations 2

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8/3/2017

1

Andrea Merrick, MSW, LSW

Lavinia Garcia-Ritter, M.S., M.Ed.

Traci Kowalick, MSW, LSW

Patricia Lapotsky, M.S., CRC

Engaging Employers and

Educating Students: Outreach

and Events to Encourage

Working Relationships

1

Audience

Who is Here?

Teachers/School Personnel

Employment Agency Staff

Parents

Youth/Students

OVR Staff

Other Organizations2

8/3/2017

2

The Goal

Our Challenge:

How do we prepare Youth

with Disabilities for Employment?

3

The Research

Research Shows:

“…Work Experiences for youth with disabilities during high school help them acquire jobs at higher wages after they graduate.” (Colley & Jameson, 1998)

4

“ One study found students who participated in work-based learning were more likely to attend college or go to work compared to their peers.” (Jobs For the

Future, 2007)

“ Research studies suggest that work based learning may increase school attendance, decrease drop out rates, reduce school suspensions, and increase school engagement.” (Medrich, Calderon, & Hoachlander, 2002)

8/3/2017

3

Success Story - Laura

5Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Success Stories

5Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Laura’s Work Based Learning Experience

Birdsboro Community Memorial Center

Success Story Video Clip

6Laura’s Success Story - Video

8/3/2017

4

Agenda Items

7Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

1. Introduction

2. Who from OVR Can Help Me?

3. Employer Engagement

4. Outreach Events

5. Success Stories

6. Discussion Points/ Wrap Up

7Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

OVR operates under the authority of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended in 2014 as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

OVR is regulated at the Federal Level by the Rehabilitation Services

Administration.

OVR’s funding is derived through approximately 80% federal dollars and a 20% state match.

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Link t OVR’s Website

• OVR provides a wide range of services to

eligible individuals.

• OVR also provides additional services for

students with a disability aged 14-21, who

are currently enrolled in high school, and

who receive services under an IEP or a

Section 504 plan.

OVR’s Mission

• The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

(OVR) assists Pennsylvanians with

disabilities in securing and maintaining

employment and independence.

9

WIOA

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)• Key Areas of Emphasis:

1. Students with Disabilities

2. Employer Engagement

3. Cross-Agency Collaboration

4. Assistive Technology

5. Competitive Integrated Employment

(includes limitations on sub-minimum wage)

• OVR, in collaboration with the LEA, shall provide or arrange to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students with disabilities.

Signed into law

on July 22, 2014

10

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Pre-Employment Transition Services

Pre- Employment Transition Services for Students

5 Required PETS Activities Include: • Job Exploration Counseling • Facilitate Work Based Learning Experiences • Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in

comprehensive transition or post secondary educations programs

• Workplace Readiness Training• Instruction in Self Advocacy, which may include peer

mentoring

11Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

OVR Staff Roles

12Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

What is my role?

How do I help?

12Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Early Reach Coordinators

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Business Service Representatives

8/3/2017

7

Early Reach Coordinators (1/3)

Click to add footer text >

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

IEP Students

13

Nu

mb

er

of

Stu

de

nts

Student’s Age

Approximately 104,000

total students with an

IEP in Pennsylvania

between ages 14-21

Approximately 430 OVR

Counselors in

Pennsylvania

Early Reach Coordinators (2/3)

Click to add footer text >

In 2013, the position of Early Reach

Coordinator was added to OVR-BVRS.

Early Reach Coordinators:

• Outreach

• Community Outreach (Parent Groups,

Disability Support Groups)

• School Outreach (IEP Meetings, Transition

Council Meetings, Classroom Presentations)

• Consultation to schools/community partners

• CILs, Reading Public Library Teen Program

14

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Early Reach Coordinators (3/3)

Click to add footer text >

• Special Projects

• Summer Academies

• Summer Work Programs

• Special Events –

• Mentoring Day

• Youth Job Fair

• Mock Interviews

• To provide Pre-Employment Transition

Services to groups of students with

disabilities (potentially eligible students).

• Groups/Workshops15

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Click to add footer text >

Outreach/LiaisonCommunity Outreach, School Outreach,

Employer Outreach

Vocational Counseling and GuidanceCounsel individuals to maximize the employability

of individuals coping with a disability.

Individual ServicesAssess client needs and design and implement a

plan for employment that includes Pre-

Employment Transition Services and other

Individually focused Rehabilitative Services

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New OVR Services for Students:

Services for Students

Group Trainings/Workshops

Independent Living, Self Advocacy, Workplace Readiness

Individual Services

Job Shadowing – up to 25 hours

Work Based Learning Experiences – up to 90 hours

A paid part-time work experience

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Must Apply to OVR!!

17

OVR Services Include:

OVR Services

Testing Medical, psychological, neuropsychological, audiological, physiatricVocational evaluations

Vocational Counseling and Guidance Job Coaching

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OVR Services Include:

OVR Services

Restoration Equipment/Assistive Technology – hearing aides, wheelchairs, home and van modifications, physical and occupational therapies

Training

This can include: Tuition, Books, On the Job Training, Driver Evaluations/Driver Training

Work tools, equipment, and uniforms

19

19

OVR Services Include:

OVR Services

Hiram G. Andrews Center

Business, Trade and Technical school that provides many types of vocational evaluations and training

Job Placement Assistance

20

20

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Business Services

Business Specialists

Single Point of Contact

Dual Customer Focus

Collaborations:

• PA CareerLink Staff and Business Service

Teams

• Local Society for Human Resource

Management (SHRM)

• Manufacturing Associations

• Chamber of Commerce

21Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 21

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

>

Reading OVR is pleased to partner

with many major business partners

including:

Employer Engagement - Partners

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Business Specialists

Single Point of Contact

WIIFM?

Business Specialists 1/2

23Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 23Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Answer the Question -

Business Specialists

Single Point of Contact

24Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 24Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

What is your value added?

• Staffing

• Financial

• Resource/Referral

Business Specialists 2/2

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Employer Engagement

Staffing

Pre-screened, qualified job

candidates

Help retain current

employees

Accommodation solutions

Accessibility Analysis

Consultation on job analysis,

worksite modification and

reasonable accommodations

§ Financial Incentives

OJT reimbursement

Tax credits

OVR Services for Employers at no cost

Disability Awareness

Disability etiquette training

ADA consultation

Networking Resources

Employment networks

Business Leadership Network

Job Accommodation Network

(JAN)

VR-NET

JobGateway

Follow-Up Services

OVR sticks with the

customers

Will help employer & new hire

problem-solve future issues

25

Financial Incentives

Target Groups

• Veteran Target Groups

• TANF or SNAP Recipient

• Vocational Rehabilitation Customer or

person who identifies having a disability

• Ex-Felon

• SSI recipient

• Long Term unemployed individual

Financial Incentives

Tax Credits

26

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Work Opportunity Tax Credit

27Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 27Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Applying for the Credit:

To request a tax credit for a potentially-

eligible individual, the employer must submit:

IRS Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061

Forms must be postmarked no later than 28

days after the start date.

http://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-

Development/emp-tax-

credits/Pages/WOTC.aspx

Tax Credit Contact Info

28Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 28Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Contact Information

Greg ShirkDept. of Labor & Industry

Special Programs Unit717.783.3676 / [email protected]

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Be A Resource!

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

• Mid Atlantic ADA

• OVR!

• Careerlink

• CILs

• Be familiar with resources in your

community

Be the GO TO Resource

for this employer!

29Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 29Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Engagement Contacts

Initial Contact

First meeting

should be brief.

Focus on getting

to the next step-

building the

relationship

through engaging

the business.

• 1st

Contact has 1%

Success Rate

• 2nd

Contact has 3%

Success Rate

• 3rd

Contact has 5%

Success Rate

• 4th

Contact has

95% Success Rate

30Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 30Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

8/3/2017

16

Employer Engagement Process

The Process

31Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 31Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Network –Get Out There!

Initial Contact –-

Build the Relationship

Proposal–

Service After Job Match –

Build on Success

- Introduction- Business cards

- Provide Value- Develop Trust

- Start with a short term commitment

- Don’t drop and leave

- Provide Support!

Outreach Events

32Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Outreach Events

32Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

1. The Event

2. Considerations for Planning

3. What Have We Learned?

– What have we changed?

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Mentoring Days

Mentoring Days

33Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 33Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

Events

Mentoring Days –

Coordinate with Employers and local

School Districts to offer a tour to

potentially eligible High School Students

Highwood

Goodwill Distribution Center

DoubleTree Hotel

Big Lots Distribution Center

Reading Hospital

Lutheran Home at Topton

34

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Employer Preparation

• What is the purpose of this event?

• What is the employer role?

• How many participants do you expect to

attend?

• What is the dress code?

• Get point of contact phone numbers/emails

• Communicate changes with the employer

promptly

• Ask about the tour

• Will you have an accommodation request? –

ask in ADVANCE!

Prepare the Employer for the

Day…

35

Mentoring Day Agendas

1. Introduction by Employer

2. OVR – Employability Skills

3. Tour of Employer

4. Employer Reviews Job Requirements/

How to Apply

8:45 a.m. – Arrival of Students – The Henry Healthcare Rotunda 9:00 - 9:20 a.m. – Welcome to Topton & Flik careers9:20 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. - Tour of Facility9:50 – 10:10 a.m. – Employability Skills presentation10:10 – 10:20 – How to apply to Flik 36

8/3/2017

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Employability Skills

1. Tips for making a Good First Impression

2. The Reasons Teens Get Fired

3. Time Management Skills

4. Communication Skills

5. Good/Bad Attitude – Customer Service

6. Problem Solving

7. Following the Rules at Work

8. Teamwork

Employability Skills Presentation

37

Skills Presentation Sample

Employability Skills Presentation

Example - Reasons Teens Get Fired

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10/13 - Highwood

39

10/13 - Highwood

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10/13 - Highwood

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10/18 – Goodwill Distribution Ctr

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10/18 – Goodwill Distribution Ctr

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10/18 – Goodwill Distribution Ctr

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10/21 – DoubleTree Hotel

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10/21 – DoubleTree Hotel

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10/21 – DoubleTree Hotel

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11/09 – Big Lots Distribution Ctr

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04/05 – Reading Hospital

49

04/05 – Reading Hospital

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04/05 – Reading Hospital

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05/02 – Flix at Lutheran Home

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05/02 – Flix at Lutheran Home

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What Did We Learn? 1/2

What Did We Learn?

1. Engage a diverse group of employers.

(manufacturing, retail, elder care, non-

profit)

2. Be aware of Employer requirements and

communicate this to the schools (closed

toe shoes, no jewelry, security, no photos,

parking)

3. Target appropriate students (include this

in the email invitation – students with an

interest in…careers )

4. Prepare the students for the day (dress,

roleplay, questions)54

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What Did We Learn 2/2

What Did We Learn?

5. Have an Energetic/Enthusiastic

employee/s lead the tour.

6. If the business produces a product, take

students through the production

process as part of the tour.

7. Have employees along the tour talk

about their job, why they like it, how

long they have worked there

8. Be sure students can hear/understand

the speaker (accommodations,

interpreter)55

What Have We Changed?

What Have we Changed?

1. Build in a Bathroom Break!

2. Ask about physical mobility challenges

3. Save the Employability Presentation for

the end if time is tight!

56

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Mock Interview Events

Mock Interviews/Events

57

Events

Mock Interviews –

With OVR Staff, Local Agency Staff, and

Local Employers

1. Local Transition Events

2. Local Classrooms as part of Lesson

3. As part of Workplace Readiness Group

58Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 58Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >

8/3/2017

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Mock Interview Planning

Considerations for Planning:

• Location: Special Event/Classroom Activity

• Tap Into Your Employer Relationships

• Provide Mock Interview Questions

• Preparation is Key

• Prep for Interviewer and Students

• Prep Session before the Interview

• Venue: Space, Noise Level,

Accessibility 59

Mock Interview Prep Sessions

Prep Sessions1. Types of Job Interviews/Tips for Each

2. How to Prepare/What to Bring

3. Dress to Impress

4. Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)

5. Your Introduction/Handshake

6. Common Interview Questions

7. Tips for Answering Questions

8. How to Follow Up After the Interview60

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Prep Session Sample

Prep Sessions

Snagajob Youtube Channel 61

Mock Interview Event

Schuylkill Transition Fair –Mock Interview Prep

Sessions

62Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

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63Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mock Interview Photos 1/3

64Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mock Interview Photos 2/3

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65Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mock Interview Photos 3/3

What Did We Learn? Mock Interview

1. Reach out to a diverse group of

employers (manufacturing, retail, elder care, non-

profit)

2. Confirm with employers and provide reminders

3. Expect cancellations; have extra "interviewers"

on hand

4. Prep students – every student should have a Prep

session – increase student confidence!

5. Provide a Structure for Constructive

Criticism/Feedback

– Mock Interview Feedback Forms

What Did We Learn?

66

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Youth Job Fairs

Youth Job Fairs

67

Planning Considerations 1/3

• Considerations:

• Build on your employer relationships.

• Prepare your students

• Before the Fair and At the Fair

• Venue

• Size, room availability, space for prep, applications, accessibility

• Will a school agree to host? (they can send more students)

Planning an effectiveYouth Job Fair

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• Considerations:• Signs!!!!

• Have a Copier available!

• RSVP from schools planning to attend• Recruit appropriate employers

• Stagger School Attendance – ask schools to provide 3 preferred arrival times

• Transportation

Planning a Youth Job Fair

69

Planning Considerations 2/3

• Considerations:

Follow-up

• Employers feedback & testimonials –build on success!

• Transition Coordinators after the Job Fair

Share your success!

Planning a Youth Job Fair

70

Planning Considerations 3/3

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Job Fair - Layout

Job Fair Prep Sessions

Interactive Prep Sessions1. Preparation for the Job Fair

1. Your Documentation, Work Permits

2. Researching Companies at the Fair

3. Dress to Impress

4. Get References

5. Practice with Applications

6. The Day of the Job Fair

7. Your Introduction

8. Following Up After the Job Fair

72

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Prep Session – Sample 1

Interactive Prep Sessions

Prep Session – Sample 2

Interactive Prep Sessions

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Prep Session – Your Intro

75Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Your Introduction

Hello, my name is ________________. (Give a firm but friendly handshake). I am a student at ______________ High School. I am looking for an entry-level position. I have been told that I am ______________________________________ ________________________________ (tell them about your skills/experience). Please tell me about your job openings.

Schuylkill Youth Job Fair

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Schuylkill Job Fair Photos 1/2

77Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

78Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Schuylkill Job Fair Photos 2/2

8/3/2017

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Berks Youth Job Fair

205 Students

From Berks Districts, CTCs, and I-Lead

Charter School

79

Berks Job Fair Prep

Andrea and

Traci - What is a Job Fair?80

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Completing Applications

Students

Completed Applications81

Job Fairs – Employer Feedback

Employer Feedback

“Some students were prepared more than others. It was great to

see so many participants with resumes!”

-Anonymous

“Thank you for having us, I think it

was great. We met so many, and the

interaction was surprisingly great. I

remember first starting out and I

was intimidated at that age.”

– People Ready

“Thank you for all your help and I believe yesterday was a great turn out. Those kids were awesome

to meet!”

- Berks County YMCA

82Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

8/3/2017

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What We Learned – Job Fair

What Did We Learn?

1. Need Signs to find Building/Rooms

2. Students love SWAG/Giveaways/Freebies!

(Food)

3. Employers are sincere about hiring

students!

4. Stagger entry times for crowd

control/space.

5. Preparation is important!

1. Offer Prep Sessions to Schools before the Fair

2. Offer a mini Prep Session the day of the Fair

6. Provide Area for Students to Complete

Applications

1. Students may need extra time/quiet areas to complete

83

What Are the Results?

Success Stories

Paid Work Experience

84Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

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SWEAP

85Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Summer Work Experience and

Assessment Program

SWEAP – Summer Work

What is SWEAP?

• A 6-7 week paid summer employment

work experience

• For Youth with Disabilities age 16-21.

• Students work 3 days per week

• Students work up to 20 hours per week.

86Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Summer Work Experience and

Assessment Program

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SWEAP – 2017 So Far

87Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

2017 So Far…

• 119 Students hired

• 60 Funded TANF / 59 Funded OVR

Summer Work Experience and

Assessment Program

SWEAP Students

88Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

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Collaboration SWEAP

89Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Goodwill

Workforce Development

OVR

BCTCC

CYEP

CYEP

Community Youth

Employment Program90Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

8/3/2017

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CYEP – Summer Work

CYEP – Community Youth Employment

Program

91Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

What is CYEP?

Community Youth

Employment Program

• A paid summer work-based learning

experience

• For Youth with Disabilities age 16-21.

• Students work 3-5 days per week.

• Students work 20-40 hours per week.(Based Upon Employer Need!)

92Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

8/3/2017

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Collaboration CYEP

93Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

OVR

Schools

Employers

Providers

• ERCs and VRCs

identified students with

support of Schools.

• Employers identified

based on location, job

duties, and interests

• Providers identified for

on-site support

CYEP – 2017

94Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

• Shenandoah Valley School District

• City of Pottsville - Pool

• Frackville Borough

• Mahanoy City Borough

2017 So Far…

• 12 Students hired

• 12 Funded by OVR

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Student Feedback

95Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

What Did the Students Have to

Say About their Work Experience?

“I am getting better at following

directions and work is becoming easier.

I almost enjoyed cleaning the cafeteria

today. I am starting to enjoy having

something to do.”

“I learned about a time card for the first time. It

was pretty interesting stuff, same as learning

about checks. I learned how to read a check,

what all the lines are for, and what a check

looked like.”

The 6th week was the best of all

weeks. I learned a lot of new things

and ideas. In the kitchen, I made food

all by myself. I didn’t need help from

anyone. I mainly stayed in the

kitchen and cooked.

Employer Feedback

96Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

What Did the Employers Have to

Say About the Students?

“Student’s attention to detail did not go

unnoticed… She was always pleasant when

coming to work and actively learned the

names of not only the staff, but our family’s

names as well.”

“Very good worker, very good

listener, very inquisitive, and eager

to learn.”

“Student should know how wonderful

her presence at the Castle has been.

She should not put herself down!

There are great things in her future.”

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Discussion/Please Share!

Please share your Experience/Expertise!!

What events does your School District/Agency/ Transition Council Plan?

Do Employers Participate?

How did you recruit Employers to participate?

97Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

THANK YOU

Thank you for your time and attention!

There are significant opportunities for collaboration to improve employment

outcomes for Students with Disabilities.

Thank you for all you do for Youth!

98Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

LET’S NAVIGATE THIS PATH TOGETHER!

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RESOURCES

• The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)– https://www.dol.gov/odep/– https://www.dol.gov/odep/categories/youth/career.htm

• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) -– http://www.ncwd-youth.info/

• JAN – Job Accommodation Network– https://askjan.org/

• SnagaJob Youtube Channel– https://www.youtube.com/user/snagajob

99Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

LET’S NAVIGATE THIS PATH TOGETHER!

CONTACT INFO

• Andrea Merrick– [email protected]

• Lavinia Ritter-Garcia– [email protected]

• Patricia Lapotsky– [email protected]

• Traci Kowalick– [email protected]

100Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

LET’S NAVIGATE THIS PATH TOGETHER!