california’s disability program navigator "america works best when all americans work"
TRANSCRIPT
California’sDisability Program
Navigator
"America Works Best When
All Americans Work"
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WORKABILITY I
A California Transition Program
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WORKABILITY I MISSION
To enable all individuals with disabilities to
successfully participate in a program that will prepare them for the
workplace and independent living
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BACKGROUND
• 1981 study by California’s Department of Education: results indicated students with disabilities not adequately prepared/job ready
• Workability I pilot project begins in 1981: Intent is to test concept of work experience for youth with disabilities
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BACKGROUND• A non-financial Interagency Agreement
was signed by:Employment Development DepartmentCalifornia Department of RehabilitationCalifornia Department of Education
• Workability I continues to successfully conduct interagency coordination of services, which began in September 1982
• 1999 Task Force Of Workability Practitioners Convened: Intent is to align Workability w/ State and Federal Transition Initiatives For Youth With Disabilities
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BACKGROUND• Designation as one of the ten best
transition programs in the United States
• National recognition for matching young adults with disabilities and employers
• 305 Local education agency Workability I program sites are funded statewide
• All 58 California counties are served by Workability I programs
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THE PROGRAMWorkability I Provides:• Comprehensive Pre-Employment
Training• Employment Placement and follow
up services for High School students in special education
• Training program for Special Education students ages 16-22
• Promotes career awareness and exploration while students complete their secondary education program
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GOALS OF WORKABILITY 1
• Increase percentage of students with disabilities employed (with and without subsidies)
• Increase percentage of students with disabilities enrolled in post-secondary education
• Increase the percentage of students with disabilities who report satisfaction with their independent living status and community involvement
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WHY WORKABILITY I WORKS
• The local program sites successfully coordinate state and local service providers to offer tailored comprehensive services
• Program services are appropriate to individual student’s needs
• Referrals to post-secondary education/training, One-Stops, employers, service providers, etc.
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WHY WORKABILITY I WORKS (cont’d)
• Program services are appropriate to individual student’s needs
• Referrals to post-secondary education/training, One-Stops, employers, service providers, etc.
• One-year follow-up and two year follow-along supportive services provided
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OTHER PARTNERS• Employers• Work Experience
Education• Dept of Rehabilitation• Chambers of Commerce• Regional Occupational
Programs• One-Stop Career
Centers• Labor Unions
• Dept of Health Services
• Business Advisory Groups
• Transition Partnerships Program
• Dept of Social Services
Annually, over 10,000 employers statewide have found WIA students to be well prepared for employment, reliable employees and assets to their businesses
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PROGRAM BENEFITS
Business/Employer Benefits• Screened students ready to
learn and work• Workers interests/skills matched
to employers needs• Ongoing employee support
services
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REGIONAL EFFORTS
•Marin County•Napa County•Solano County•Sonoma County
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RESOURCE CONTACT LIST
Carole McLain – Regional Disability NavigatorP: (707) 253-6158 E: [email protected] Snowden – Director, Workability I and Transition Services – California Department of Education P: (916) 323-3309 E: [email protected] Riel – Manager, Collaborative Program Services, California Department of RehabilitationP: (916) 263-8758 E: [email protected] Scott – Coordinator, Diagnostic Learning Center, Napa Valley College (Fast Track To Work)P: (707) 253-3155 E: [email protected]