3 Days, 2 Nights: Transition Road Trip

Transition Academies

Presented at The Virginia Transition Forum

March 13-16, 2011

Presenter’s Jason Bryant – FRS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor,

Winchester Office Ginger Sharrer – PERT Field Services Supervisor

Vocational Rehabilitation Process for Transition Referral and Services

2-3 years prior to

school exit

1-2 years prior to

school exit

Exit year

(Student & Family)

• Referral to DRS

• Complete intake interview

with DRS Counselor

• Complete eligibility

determination with counselor

• Participate in career

assessment

• Participate in career

development activities

• Learn more about benefits

planning

(Student & Counselor)

• Develop Individualized Plan

for Employment (IPE)

• Coordinate career

development activities

• Discuss post-secondary

education options

• Discuss referrals to other

agencies/services as needed

• Address self-advocacy skills

• Discuss benefits planning and work incentives

(Student & Counselor)

• Explore employment related activities

• Explore post-secondary

education and vocational

training activities

• Discuss independent living

options/services

• Initiate job placement and job retention services

Wouldn’t you want to stay in this room free of charge for 2 nights?

Brief Program Overview

The Transition Academy provides a unique opportunity for staff from Local Education Agency’s (LEA) and Department of Rehabilitative Service Counselor (DRS) to accompany students to WWRC and provide support while the students receive services. During a three day program, the students receive career exploration and evaluation services from Vocational Evaluation.  The students also participate in Independent Living Assessments and recreational activities offered by PERT staff.  Case management is provided by PERT counselors. 

The 1st Academy

Winchester – the original TA

Jim Hall, manager of the Leesburg/Winchester Department of Rehabilitative Services, had led efforts to develop an intra-agency Winchester Transition Pilot for disabled youth who are at risk. Several meetings occurred prior to November of 2008 to connect Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as an additional service partner in this endeavor.

The inaugural Transition Academy ran from June 18-20, 2008. Students lived in the dormitory at WWRC.

The students were escorted on campus by Jason Bryant (DRS counselor) and Donna Stout (teacher) from the Winchester area and assessment activities/ support were provided by WWRC staff.

Transition Academy Services from a DRS perspective

Jason Bryant and Cyndy Harp are currently the FRS counselors that use the Transitions Academy the most.

This program is also sometimes recommended through the PERT Pre-admission review process.

How does DRS achieve better outcomes?

Early intervention =

better outcomes especially with more complex

cases.

Students Selected for TA

The students selected are usually students that would fall outside of PERT PAR selection guidelines. They would have a difficult time functioning in the campus environment in a traditional 10 day PERT program.

Support on campus is provided by the local DRS counselor and school teachers from their home LEA.

Transition Services at WWRC

CareerCareer

Job Experience(SIP, ETO)

Job Experience(SIP, ETO)

Training(Training/Life Skills)

Training(Training/Life Skills)

Trial Training(PERT, E&OST)

Trial Training(PERT, E&OST)

Exploration (Transition Academy, PERT, Vocational Evaluation)

Exploration (Transition Academy, PERT, Vocational Evaluation)

Level I Assessment

A level I career assessment has been performed in the field to allow the student to target areas of vocational interest.

An example of a Level I career assessment used for Colonial Heights, Prince George and Petersburg

Sample Criteria for Training Success.Business – Materials Handling

Reading Grade Equivalency: 2 Math Grade Equivalency: 2

Success Indicators ContraindicationsAbility to lift, stoop and climb

Ability to follow novel one step instructions

Ability to remember sequence of procedures with training and practice

Initiative

Preference of active occupation over sedentary

Ability to count and record inventory

Ability to recognize differences in alpha-numeric codes

Significant physical limitations or dislike of physical activity

Humanitarian – Health Care Reading Grade Equivalency: 4 Math Grade Equivalency: 3

Success Indicators Contraindications

Emotionally stable

Good decision making skills

Good communication skills and social perceptiveness

Good physical and mental stamina

Criminal background

Physical limitations for lifting, bending and carrying up to 50 pounds

Physical limitations for standing and walking

Anger management issues

Weak immune system

Vocational Evaluation

Based on their recommendations from the level I assessments and the students interest they get to try two vocational evaluation areas at WWRC. The DRS Counselor, PERT Supervisor and VE Supervisor set these up prior to intake and when students arrive their counselor verifies that these areas are what the student wants to try.

Early in the Career Counseling process

Sometimes we hit a homerun in the exploration process and sometimes you strike out. The important part is to get started!

Transition Academy students in VE

Activities

In addition to Vocational Evaluation during their 3 days on campus students get:

Experience WWRC intake process Participate in an orientation and campus tour

Teambuilding activity

Tour of Center Training Areas

Work Behavior’s Game

Two IL Activities – dormitory cleaning and kitchen safety

Structured and unstructured recreation activities

Teacher’s Insights

Reports

Vocational Evaluation Report Transition Academy Skills Checklist – 6

pages filled out by the teacher and DRS counselor

WWRC Discharge report – completed by the PERT Case Manager.

Example of ReportRESIDENTIAL SKILLS RATING NOT APPLICABLE

HYGIENE

Initiates personal hygiene

Keeps clothing clean

Dresses appropriately for the weather and activities

Keeps hair clean and combed

Keeps fingernails clean

Brushes teeth / keeps breath fresh

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Observes off-limits areas

Picks up medicine on time (if needed and without reminders)

Regulates behavior / self-control

Takes responsibility for choices

Student Reactions

Transition Academies 2011

Richmond Co and Middlesex Co.– January 11,12,13 (6 students)

Colonial Heights, Norton, Prince George– April 19,20,21 (10 students)

Winchester/Frederick – June 22,23,24 (up to 13 students)

Requesting Transition Academy Services

Contact Rusty Eddins Voice: 540-332-7297 Email: Rusty.Eddins@wwrc.virginia.gov

For details on all medical and vocational services at WWRC, visit WWRC.VIRGINIA.GOV

Requesting WWRC Services

Contact WWRC Admissions Voice: 800.345.9972, Ext. 7291 or 540.332.7291

TTY: 800.811.7893

Email: AdmissionsInformation@wwrc.virginia.gov

For details on all medical and vocational services, visit WWRC.VIRGINIA.GOV

WWRC Contact Informationwwrc.virginia.gov

1-800-345-9972

Admissions: Amy Blalock, Admissions Director (ext. 7052)

Medical Rehabilitation Services: Barbie Ostrander, Division Director (ext. 7494)

Vocational Services:Maggie Clower, Division Director (ext. 7222)

Rehabilitation Counseling Department:DeWanna Christian, Acting Lead Counselor (ext. 7483)

Residential Services:Mike Kelley, Division Director (ext. 7443)

Any additional questions panel?

Take the Steps Towards Person Centered Thinking

Virginia Intercommunity Transition Council