CAN4GCA START Coaches Newsletter
January 2017
Transition
If you have attended any of our START trainings, you'll have heard us talk about the shift in our ASD population and the growing need for support at the secondary and transition level. This month, we wanted to share with you some resources from START and GISD to help guide your programming for your secondary and transition age students.
The shift in ASD numbers by age
ASD employment
ASD Employment statistics
Michigan Autism Council - Transition & Adult Services Recommendations
Building Your Future
Several of our local school districts and other districts around the state are utilizing the Building Your Future model and V3 Discovery Process to support Secondary Transition Age students gain work experience and prepare for life after graduation. Currently, teams at Clio High School and Grand Blanc High School are working to support 7 students. Last year, Clio and Atherton successfully supported 4 students through the BYF process that resulted in work placement opportunities and paid employment thanks to WIOA.
What is a the V3 Discovery Process?
V3 Discovery is an age-appropriate transition assessment aligned with the principles of person-centered planning, self-determination and choice. The process involves gathering relevant and accurate information for developing a secondary transition student’s Post-Secondary Vision (required as part of the IEP process), Vocational Profile, and Visual Resume. This process establishes a foundation for employment planning and the Summary of Performance (SOP) as well as the development of other post-secondary transition goals.
Benefits of the V3 Discovery Process:
- Discovery of new found interests and skills of students with ASD. Even family members are surprised when an individual’s intense interest is not necessarily the area where they want to and may work best.
- Re-framing an “unemployable” decision to a list of conditions of employment for the student.
- Changing the perspectives of team members. They see unique skills, preferences, and support needs.
- Collaborative partnerships between school staff and adult service agency staff (e.g. MRS, CMH, employment agencies, etc.) improve.
To learn more about the BYF process, check out the START website or contact your ASD TC or Transition Coordinator, Pam Grimes.
Project Search
START has heard from several teams in the state of Michigan that have had success with a Project SEARCH site including Troy Beaumont, Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids, Dow Chemical and Michigan State University. Districts work in cooperation with Michigan Rehabilitation Services to access funding to launch new Project SEARCH sites and work towards achieving the programs success of 75% employment outcomes internationally.
A team has been exploring the possibility of establishing a Project SEARCH site here in Genesee County and continues to collaborate with school, business and community partners. To learn more about Project SEARCH, view the Project SEARCH overview or visit the Project SEARCH website.
Countywide Transition Committee
Recognizing a need to address transition in Genesee County, the County-wide Transition Committee (CWTC) was established three years ago. The group is open to all ISD/local districts/charter schools and is currently comprised of fifty four teachers and administrators. The mission of this group is to improve post-secondary outcomes for our students.
Working together, this committee developed initiatives to work toward our mission and address transition. These Initiatives are:
- Initiative 1: Identify all areas of the transition continuum gathering information (including from other districts/counties/states). Assess and identify gaps in transition opportunities.
- Initiative 2: Identify resources and potential relationships with community agencies and businesses. Educate stakeholders about all opportunities available.
- Initiative 3: Identify a framework for work-based learning opportunities with local businesses.
- Initiative 4: Identify existing funding sources, foundations, grants, donations, fiscal priorities.
The CWTC met in November and has meetings scheduled in February and April. The collaboration of this group has been invaluable to the process of local districts:
• Developing transition programs
• Expanding existing transition programs
• Supporting mentorship/work programs
• Providing work experience
• Offering work-based learning leading to paid employment
Submitted By: Pam Grimes, Transition Coordinator and RCN member, Genesee ISD
Statewide START Trainings
February 9 and 10, 2017
CAN4GCA COACHES TRAINING - March 13, 2017
More information to come.
START Annual Conference
ASD Teacher Consultant Contact Information
Amy Chorley
Barb Olszewski