let's get to work: mythbusters transition-style!

Let’s Get to Work:

Integrated Employment SummitBeth Swedeen, WI BPDD Executive Director

January, 2015

Mythbusters Transition-Style!

Three years ago, a crack team of educators and community members …

• Undertook participation in a national 5-year Partnerships in Employment (PIE) grant to change policies leading to more integrated employment for youth with significant disabilities.

• This endeavor included our 3 state agencies (DHS, DVR, DPI)….

• And let loose a fury of innovations and practices that included: Consortium, Policy Team, School Pilot Sites, Coaches

In the next 20 minutes, we’ll share with you which youth transition myths get busted, and which we can confirm! •Community as the RE

Myth #1 General education is great for young kids. It’s not that useful or possible in high school.

Myth #2: High school activities are fun, but not that useful

Myth #3: Family Involvement Matters

Myth #4: IDEA says schools must do transition, so it’s all up to the teacher

This better be a bust!

Myth #5: Collaboration is key to successful employment outcomes.

Myth #6: All work experiences are equally valuable.

Myth #7: How we talk about work doesn’t impact employment outcomes.

Consider the difference between… Do you want to work? and What kind of a job do you want?

Myth #8: Public Policy doesn’t affect my work; that’s why we elect politicians

Big time busted!

What have we learned: epilogue• More LGTW students are participating in typical school and

community activities with their peers without disabilities (a nearly 50% increase in integrated activities).

• Students reported working in the community makes their life better.

• Number of employers who hired LGTW students nearly doubled within 6 months.

• Community surveys indicated most people who attended Community Conversations believe that students with disabilities can work (25% of responders are employers). Schools reported increased employer contacts after hosting events.

Student OutcomesNumber with Paid Community Employment

Cohort 1 Cohort 2

Spring 2012 15%Baseline

Fall 2012 28%

Spring 2013 47% 5%Baseline

Fall 2013 45% 33%

Spring 2014 61% 37%

Fall 2014 79% 50%

Which myth are YOU going to bust first!?!