transition

[Guest guest]

Are you looking for a regular preschool or do you plan to have attend a

sped preschool or a combination of both? One of the main things that will tell

you whether the personnel are good is an " open door policy. " If parents aren't

welcome, I wouldn't want my son there. Also, look for cleanliness. Look for a

learning environment, not kids being entertained by tv and video. If it's a

sped preschool, do they offer speech, pt, ot, etc.? Hope this helps.

Elaine Mom to 20 and 17 (DS)

Transition

Hi All

My son just turned two last Thursday..hello time ??? Anyway, when

his DT was here last week she suggested that I begin to look into pre school

for

him for when transition occurs next year. I am a little leary about sending

him anywhere but I am up for the challenge. I just wanted to know if I could

get everyones opinion on what types of things do I look for at the school,

what questions do I ask . I want to get a jump start because I realize that

the

classes fill up quickly.

Thanks for always great advice

Maureen ( 2 DS)

[Guest guest]

i just went through this... Vickie turned 3 on june 1st and i was lucky enough

to get her into a summer program at the school i really liked.... If your early

intervention provider has a social worker on staff see if they will accompany

you on some visits to the schools available... i went to 4 of them before i made

up my mind... the one i chose is an intergrated classroom with about a 50/50 mix

of special needs and typical children... the teaching method is of the creative

curriculum... it was actually one of the further out programs that i thought no

way..... but it actually seemed to be the best fit for Vickie... also see if

they will allow your child to come to the visit and see how he interacts with

everything.... this should be started several months before he turns 3 and since

his is late summer you want to do the visits during the normal school year which

tends to end in june.... especially if you want him to start in september....

they also at least in my state provide transportation and vickie really likes

riding the bus.... though she tends to sleep on the way back

ann

mom to vickie ds (3years) and Webb 12 years and hormonal

Transition

Hi All

My son just turned two last Thursday..hello time ??? Anyway, when

his DT was here last week she suggested that I begin to look into pre school

for

him for when transition occurs next year. I am a little leary about sending

him anywhere but I am up for the challenge. I just wanted to know if I could

get everyones opinion on what types of things do I look for at the school,

what questions do I ask . I want to get a jump start because I realize that

the

classes fill up quickly.

Thanks for always great advice

Maureen ( 2 DS)

[Guest guest]

That is what i thought at first too..... but it is really nice... the drivers

are both really nice people and a couple of days there is also a nurse on board

due to the medical issues for one of hte other children.... each child not in a

wheelchair is in an approved 5 point harness car seat and she is picked up about

8 each morning and gets home around 1:45 in the afternoon... this allows hubby

to get some sleep (works midnights) and vickie seems to like the independance...

also all her therapists are there and that is working out wonderfully... Last

year vickie was the only one with special needs in a typical preschool class

that i sent her too.... what that has done is develop her social skills to such

a point that she had no issues with seperation at this time.... she went right

onto the bus and into the class without a problem..... i just got in the way it

seemed cause she had so much she wanted to do ..... She definetely is

progressing nicely in this program

ann

Transition

Hi All

My son just turned two last Thursday..hello time ??? Anyway, when

his DT was here last week she suggested that I begin to look into pre

school for

him for when transition occurs next year. I am a little leary about

sending

him anywhere but I am up for the challenge. I just wanted to know if I

could

get everyones opinion on what types of things do I look for at the school,

what questions do I ask . I want to get a jump start because I realize

that the

classes fill up quickly.

Thanks for always great advice

Maureen ( 2 DS)

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I truly have enjoyed watching the conversations of this group over the past week particularly those related to transition and self-advocacy. As an individual with a disability, a parent of children with disabilities, and a vocational rehabilitation professional - I have learned a ton of hard lessons about the "system" and its impact over the years. But, below is a lesson and some self-disclosure that I want to communicate to everyone in this group about the business community and employment.

In past years, I have set up award winning employment service programs for people with disabilities and have developed and run award winning research & demonstration projects on that topic as well. So, today, where are most of these programs & projects? Either struggling for funding or gone away because of lack of funding to renew. Now, I know that part of leadership is helping programs and projects continue to thrive after the leader moves on, so part of the above struggles I think are on my ability to set programs up for long-term success. But, some of the struggles cut to lack of funding in the vocational rehabilitation world.

Two years ago, I read and wondered - where is the impact, what is going to make a true change in the 66.7% unemployment rate of people with disabilities? My professors in my Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation Counseling told me it has to come from government funding & programs. Then, Randy & Jeannie Hamilton from Walgreens came into my life. They tell me of their vision to start a disability outreach initiative that hopefully changes the company and eventually the world. I do a few days of consulting with them initially and eventually spend the next 1.5 years as the Disability Program Manager helping set up the Disability Outreach Program (www.walgreensoutreach.com).

What 1.5 years at Walgreens taught me is that the future of the field of vocational rehabilitation and job placement for people with disabilities does not lie with the government, it lies squarely with the business and corporate communities. Building Walgreens initiative strongly showed me how targeted recruiting programs focused on the disability community will have a positive bottom line impact on companies. The reality is Walgreens is doing this not because it is the "good" thing to do, but it is the "right" thing to do because it will save the stockholders money and tap into a vastly undertapped labor source.

So, what is the main problem with not-for-profit run employment programs? Well, lets use me as the example. Five years back, I helped develop a job development model that is now used across Illinois called the "focus business model". The model tries to help job placement specialists operate more from a "business development" standpoint than a "charity" approach when working with businesses in helping people with disabilities find jobs. What I now realize is that I was not operating from a business approach, just maybe more of an advanced "charity" viewpoint.

The bottom line for me is that the disability community has to take back the power with the American Businness Community. The facts are undeniable:

* 54 million people with disabilities in the US plus families, friends, and supporters represent the most powerful customer & labor source in the country

* People with disabilities have an annual discretionary spending power of $220 billion

* 20 million of 70 million US families have at least one member with a disability (1 out of 10 families raising children have at least 1 child with a disability)

* With the baby boom generation retiring, people with disabilities are the last untapped labor source (66.7% unemployment).

With the facts above, you would think that every company in the country would have recruting in the disability community as a huge part of their Diversity Strategy and targeting the disability community as a huge part of their Marketing Strategy. This is not the case, but a movement is starting to happen. Go to www.walgreensoutreach.com, or www.wellsfargo.com to see Accessibility on the home page, or research Starbuck's "Wake Up Call" Program that targets individuals with disabilities.

Now, a number of people have come up to me lately and said how can you hope in a business community that has stigmatized people with disabilities for so many years? And, I do not deny that there are businesses out there who hold extreme biases, but most of the businesses that I have come in contact with are basically afraid to start disability related outreaches because of fear of the unknown. With a little education, it is amazing how attitudes and beliefs can change.

So, now I am spending the lionshare of my time talking with companies on setting up outreach efforts like Walgreens. Consumerism is empowerment. We hold the power in the disability community and we need to start communicating to the business world on a "business" level not a "charity" level. Groups like yours hold the power for change - the next time you go to the grocery store, to rent a car, stay at a hotel, or whatever, ask for the Manager and ask him or her three simple questions with the acronym RAM:

1) Recruiting: Does your company recruit workers with disabilities? How?

2) Accessibility: What has your company done in terms of making your services accessible to the disability community?

3) Marketing: How does your company market to the disability community?

If the Manager gives a few reasonable answers, praise him or her, say you will tell all your contacts, and give him/her some sources to get more information and/or a few facts from above. Then, come back and tell this group about what you learned.

If the Manager says nothing - then say you would like to see more and give him/her some sources of information and/or facts from above.

Imagine the impact if we all did this at 5 or 10 businesses a year that we shop at?

So in conclusion, I am not saying that we should end our lobbying for funding from government and other sources to keep the transition and employment programs going. What I am saying is that I see a future where it is the business community that utlimately makes the significant difference in lowering the unemployment rate of people with disabilities. So remember, WE hold the power - we just have to help the business community understand the enormous benefits of partnering with the disability community.

Thanks for letting me up on my soap box.

Emmett

[Guest guest]

Hi Cindi,

Sure you can use whatever you want. And please understand that I am not saying charitable work is a bad thing - just in job placement for people with disabilities, it is a bad idea to say to a company "hire this individual with a disability because it is a nice thing to do" because it probably won't work and if it works, it probably won't last.

In a message dated 9/25/2006 11:09:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, cbswanson@... writes:

I sooo appreciate your strong words. I am proud to say agree with you. It has to be for bs. reaons. When we do things because itmakes us feel goodis charitywe like helping peopleblah blah blah..it is not sustainable. The only thing that is sustainable is the bottonm line. Can I use your words in a bulletin notice for Holy Spirit..giving you credit. Again, thanks for all, Cindi Swanson

[Guest guest]

I sooo appreciate your strong words. I am proud to say agree with you. It

has to be for bs. reaons. When we do things because it

makes us feel good

is charity

we like helping people

blah blah blah..it is not sustainable. The only thing that is sustainable

is the bottonm line. Can I use your words in a bulletin notice for Holy

Spirit..giving you credit. Again, thanks for all, Cindi Swanson

[Guest guest]

Nicely put, without "RAMMING" it down our throats.

I will take RAM to the streets

Thanks.

SO glad to have you with us.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeldegskb@...

Re: Transition

Hi All,

I truly have enjoyed watching the conversations of this group over the past week particularly those related to transition and self-advocacy. As an individual with a disability, a parent of children with disabilities, and a vocational rehabilitation professional - I have learned a ton of hard lessons about the "system" and its impact over the years. But, below is a lesson and some self-disclosure that I want to communicate to everyone in this group about the business community and employment.

In past years, I have set up award winning employment service programs for people with disabilities and have developed and run award winning research & demonstration projects on that topic as well. So, today, where are most of these programs & projects? Either struggling for funding or gone away because of lack of funding to renew. Now, I know that part of leadership is helping programs and projects continue to thrive after the leader moves on, so part of the above struggles I think are on my ability to set programs up for long-term success. But, some of the struggles cut to lack of funding in the vocational rehabilitation world.

Two years ago, I read and wondered - where is the impact, what is going to make a true change in the 66.7% unemployment rate of people with disabilities? My professors in my Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation Counseling told me it has to come from government funding & programs. Then, Randy & Jeannie Hamilton from Walgreens came into my life. They tell me of their vision to start a disability outreach initiative that hopefully changes the company and eventually the world. I do a few days of consulting with them initially and eventually spend the next 1.5 years as the Disability Program Manager helping set up the Disability Outreach Program (www.walgreensoutreach.com).

What 1.5 years at Walgreens taught me is that the future of the field of vocational rehabilitation and job placement for people with disabilities does not lie with the government, it lies squarely with the business and corporate communities. Building Walgreens initiative strongly showed me how targeted recruiting programs focused on the disability community will have a positive bottom line impact on companies. The reality is Walgreens is doing this not because it is the "good" thing to do, but it is the "right" thing to do because it will save the stockholders money and tap into a vastly undertapped labor source.

So, what is the main problem with not-for-profit run employment programs? Well, lets use me as the example. Five years back, I helped develop a job development model that is now used across Illinois called the "focus business model". The model tries to help job placement specialists operate more from a "business development" standpoint than a "charity" approach when working with businesses in helping people with disabilities find jobs. What I now realize is that I was not operating from a business approach, just maybe more of an advanced "charity" viewpoint.

The bottom line for me is that the disability community has to take back the power with the American Businness Community. The facts are undeniable:

* 54 million people with disabilities in the US plus families, friends, and supporters represent the most powerful customer & labor source in the country

* People with disabilities have an annual discretionary spending power of $220 billion

* 20 million of 70 million US families have at least one member with a disability (1 out of 10 families raising children have at least 1 child with a disability)

* With the baby boom generation retiring, people with disabilities are the last untapped labor source (66.7% unemployment).

With the facts above, you would think that every company in the country would have recruting in the disability community as a huge part of their Diversity Strategy and targeting the disability community as a huge part of their Marketing Strategy. This is not the case, but a movement is starting to happen. Go to www.walgreensoutreach.com, or www.wellsfargo.com to see Accessibility on the home page, or research Starbuck's "Wake Up Call" Program that targets individuals with disabilities.

Now, a number of people have come up to me lately and said how can you hope in a business community that has stigmatized people with disabilities for so many years? And, I do not deny that there are businesses out there who hold extreme biases, but most of the businesses that I have come in contact with are basically afraid to start disability related outreaches because of fear of the unknown. With a little education, it is amazing how attitudes and beliefs can change.

So, now I am spending the lionshare of my time talking with companies on setting up outreach efforts like Walgreens. Consumerism is empowerment. We hold the power in the disability community and we need to start communicating to the business world on a "business" level not a "charity" level. Groups like yours hold the power for change - the next time you go to the grocery store, to rent a car, stay at a hotel, or whatever, ask for the Manager and ask him or her three simple questions with the acronym RAM:

1) Recruiting: Does your company recruit workers with disabilities? How?

2) Accessibility: What has your company done in terms of making your services accessible to the disability community?

3) Marketing: How does your company market to the disability community?

If the Manager gives a few reasonable answers, praise him or her, say you will tell all your contacts, and give him/her some sources to get more information and/or a few facts from above. Then, come back and tell this group about what you learned.

If the Manager says nothing - then say you would like to see more and give him/her some sources of information and/or facts from above.

Imagine the impact if we all did this at 5 or 10 businesses a year that we shop at?

So in conclusion, I am not saying that we should end our lobbying for funding from government and other sources to keep the transition and employment programs going. What I am saying is that I see a future where it is the business community that utlimately makes the significant difference in lowering the unemployment rate of people with disabilities. So remember, WE hold the power - we just have to help the business community understand the enormous benefits of partnering with the disability community.

Thanks for letting me up on my soap box.

Emmett

[Guest guest]

agreed. Cindi

[Guest guest]

Hi , thank you so much for your time is sharing this info.

I like the RAM idea. I can think of noone better than you on this topic. I've heard you many times and always walk away inspired and better informed. Thank you.

Re: Transition

Hi All,

I truly have enjoyed watching the conversations of this group over the past week particularly those related to transition and self-advocacy. As an individual with a disability, a parent of children with disabilities, and a vocational rehabilitation professional - I have learned a ton of hard lessons about the "system" and its impact over the years. But, below is a lesson and some self-disclosure that I want to communicate to everyone in this group about the business community and employment.

In past years, I have set up award winning employment service programs for people with disabilities and have developed and run award winning research & demonstration projects on that topic as well. So, today, where are most of these programs & projects? Either struggling for funding or gone away because of lack of funding to renew. Now, I know that part of leadership is helping programs and projects continue to thrive after the leader moves on, so part of the above struggles I think are on my ability to set programs up for long-term success. But, some of the struggles cut to lack of funding in the vocational rehabilitation world.

Two years ago, I read and wondered - where is the impact, what is going to make a true change in the 66.7% unemployment rate of people with disabilities? My professors in my Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation Counseling told me it has to come from government funding & programs. Then, Randy & Jeannie Hamilton from Walgreens came into my life. They tell me of their vision to start a disability outreach initiative that hopefully changes the company and eventually the world. I do a few days of consulting with them initially and eventually spend the next 1.5 years as the Disability Program Manager helping set up the Disability Outreach Program (www.walgreensoutreach.com).

What 1.5 years at Walgreens taught me is that the future of the field of vocational rehabilitation and job placement for people with disabilities does not lie with the government, it lies squarely with the business and corporate communities. Building Walgreens initiative strongly showed me how targeted recruiting programs focused on the disability community will have a positive bottom line impact on companies. The reality is Walgreens is doing this not because it is the "good" thing to do, but it is the "right" thing to do because it will save the stockholders money and tap into a vastly undertapped labor source.

So, what is the main problem with not-for-profit run employment programs? Well, lets use me as the example. Five years back, I helped develop a job development model that is now used across Illinois called the "focus business model". The model tries to help job placement specialists operate more from a "business development" standpoint than a "charity" approach when working with businesses in helping people with disabilities find jobs. What I now realize is that I was not operating from a business approach, just maybe more of an advanced "charity" viewpoint.

The bottom line for me is that the disability community has to take back the power with the American Businness Community. The facts are undeniable:

* 54 million people with disabilities in the US plus families, friends, and supporters represent the most powerful customer & labor source in the country

* People with disabilities have an annual discretionary spending power of $220 billion

* 20 million of 70 million US families have at least one member with a disability (1 out of 10 families raising children have at least 1 child with a disability)

* With the baby boom generation retiring, people with disabilities are the last untapped labor source (66.7% unemployment).

With the facts above, you would think that every company in the country would have recruting in the disability community as a huge part of their Diversity Strategy and targeting the disability community as a huge part of their Marketing Strategy. This is not the case, but a movement is starting to happen. Go to www.walgreensoutreach.com, or www.wellsfargo.com to see Accessibility on the home page, or research Starbuck's "Wake Up Call" Program that targets individuals with disabilities.

Now, a number of people have come up to me lately and said how can you hope in a business community that has stigmatized people with disabilities for so many years? And, I do not deny that there are businesses out there who hold extreme biases, but most of the businesses that I have come in contact with are basically afraid to start disability related outreaches because of fear of the unknown. With a little education, it is amazing how attitudes and beliefs can change.

So, now I am spending the lionshare of my time talking with companies on setting up outreach efforts like Walgreens. Consumerism is empowerment. We hold the power in the disability community and we need to start communicating to the business world on a "business" level not a "charity" level. Groups like yours hold the power for change - the next time you go to the grocery store, to rent a car, stay at a hotel, or whatever, ask for the Manager and ask him or her three simple questions with the acronym RAM:

1) Recruiting: Does your company recruit workers with disabilities? How?

2) Accessibility: What has your company done in terms of making your services accessible to the disability community?

3) Marketing: How does your company market to the disability community?

If the Manager gives a few reasonable answers, praise him or her, say you will tell all your contacts, and give him/her some sources to get more information and/or a few facts from above. Then, come back and tell this group about what you learned.

If the Manager says nothing - then say you would like to see more and give him/her some sources of information and/or facts from above.

Imagine the impact if we all did this at 5 or 10 businesses a year that we shop at?

So in conclusion, I am not saying that we should end our lobbying for funding from government and other sources to keep the transition and employment programs going. What I am saying is that I see a future where it is the business community that utlimately makes the significant difference in lowering the unemployment rate of people with disabilities. So remember, WE hold the power - we just have to help the business community understand the enormous benefits of partnering with the disability community.

Thanks for letting me up on my soap box.

Emmett

[Guest guest]

Ditto. Except I believe that the universities and colleges with have educated us

(the disabled) should join us in infiltrating the business community. As an

alumni of the university of Illinois C-U, in every communication with them since

graduating with an MSW in 1978, I have asked for their help with job placement.

I am waiting for a response. Janis

Re: Transition

>

>Hi All,

>

>I truly have enjoyed watching the conversations of this group over the past

>week particularly those related to transition and self-advocacy. As an

>individual with a disability, a parent of children with disabilities, and a

>vocational rehabilitation professional - I have learned a ton of hard lessons

about

>the " system " and its impact over the years. But, below is a lesson and some

>self-disclosure that I want to communicate to everyone in this group about

>the business community and employment.

>

>In past years, I have set up award winning employment service programs for

>people with disabilities and have developed and run award winning research &

>demonstration projects on that topic as well. So, today, where are most of

>these programs & projects? Either struggling for funding or gone away because

>of lack of funding to renew. Now, I know that part of leadership is helping

>programs and projects continue to thrive after the leader moves on, so part

>of the above struggles I think are on my ability to set programs up for

>long-term success. But, some of the struggles cut to lack of funding in the

>vocational rehabilitation world.

>

>Two years ago, I read and wondered - where is the impact, what is going to

>make a true change in the 66.7% unemployment rate of people with disabilities?

> My professors in my Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation Counseling told me it

>has to come from government funding & programs. Then, Randy & Jeannie

>Hamilton from Walgreens came into my life. They tell me of their vision to

>start a disability outreach initiative that hopefully changes the company and

>eventually the world. I do a few days of consulting with them initially and

>eventually spend the next 1.5 years as the Disability Program Manager helping

>set up the Disability Outreach Program (_www.walgreensoutreach.com_

>(http://www.walgreensoutreach.com) ).

>

>What 1.5 years at Walgreens taught me is that the future of the field of

>vocational rehabilitation and job placement for people with disabilities does

>not lie with the government, it lies squarely with the business and corporate

>communities. Building Walgreens initiative strongly showed me how targeted

>recruiting programs focused on the disability community will have a positive

>bottom line impact on companies. The reality is Walgreens is doing this not

>because it is the " good " thing to do, but it is the " right " thing to do

>because it will save the stockholders money and tap into a vastly undertapped

labor

>source.

>

>So, what is the main problem with not-for-profit run employment programs?

>Well, lets use me as the example. Five years back, I helped develop a job

>development model that is now used across Illinois called the " focus business

>model " . The model tries to help job placement specialists operate more from a

> " business development " standpoint than a " charity " approach when working with

>businesses in helping people with disabilities find jobs. What I now

>realize is that I was not operating from a business approach, just maybe more

of an

>advanced " charity " viewpoint.

>

>The bottom line for me is that the disability community has to take back the

>power with the American Businness Community. The facts are undeniable:

>

>* 54 million people with disabilities in the US plus families, friends, and

>supporters represent the most powerful customer & labor source in the country

>

>* People with disabilities have an annual discretionary spending power of

>$220 billion

>

>* 20 million of 70 million US families have at least one member with a

>disability (1 out of 10 families raising children have at least 1 child with a

>disability)

>

>* With the baby boom generation retiring, people with disabilities are the

>last untapped labor source (66.7% unemployment).

>

>With the facts above, you would think that every company in the country

>would have recruting in the disability community as a huge part of their

>Diversity Strategy and targeting the disability community as a huge part of

their

>Marketing Strategy. This is not the case, but a movement is starting to

happen.

> Go to _www.walgreensoutreach.com_ (http://www.walgreensoutreach.com) , or

>_www.wellsfargo.com_ (http://www.wellsfargo.com) to see Accessibility on the

>home page, or research Starbuck's " Wake Up Call " Program that targets

>individuals with disabilities.

>

>Now, a number of people have come up to me lately and said how can you hope

>in a business community that has stigmatized people with disabilities for so

>many years? And, I do not deny that there are businesses out there who hold

>extreme biases, but most of the businesses that I have come in contact with

>are basically afraid to start disability related outreaches because of fear of

>the unknown. With a little education, it is amazing how attitudes and

>beliefs can change.

>

>So, now I am spending the lionshare of my time talking with companies on

>setting up outreach efforts like Walgreens. Consumerism is empowerment. We

>hold the power in the disability community and we need to start communicating

to

>the business world on a " business " level not a " charity " level. Groups like

>yours hold the power for change - the next time you go to the grocery store,

>to rent a car, stay at a hotel, or whatever, ask for the Manager and ask him

>or her three simple questions with the acronym RAM:

>

>1) Recruiting: Does your company recruit workers with disabilities? How?

>

>2) Accessibility: What has your company done in terms of making your

>services accessible to the disability community?

>

>3) Marketing: How does your company market to the disability community?

>

>If the Manager gives a few reasonable answers, praise him or her, say you

>will tell all your contacts, and give him/her some sources to get more

>information and/or a few facts from above. Then, come back and tell this

group about

>what you learned.

>

>If the Manager says nothing - then say you would like to see more and give

>him/her some sources of information and/or facts from above.

>

>Imagine the impact if we all did this at 5 or 10 businesses a year that we

>shop at?

>

>So in conclusion, I am not saying that we should end our lobbying for

>funding from government and other sources to keep the transition and employment

>programs going. What I am saying is that I see a future where it is the

>business community that utlimately makes the significant difference in lowering

the

>unemployment rate of people with disabilities. So remember, WE hold the

>power - we just have to help the business community understand the enormous

>benefits of partnering with the disability community.

>

>Thanks for letting me up on my soap box.

>

> Emmett

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am sorry to hear that U of I has been so unresponsive all these years. What have you been doing since you got your MSW?

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeldegskb@...

Re: Transition>>Hi All,> >I truly have enjoyed watching the conversations of this group over the past >week particularly those related to transition and self-advocacy. As an >individual with a disability, a parent of children with disabilities, and a >vocational rehabilitation professional - I have learned a ton of hard lessons about >the "system" and its impact over the years. But, below is a lesson and some >self-disclosure that I want to communicate to everyone in this group about >the business community and employment.> >In past years, I have set up award winning employment service programs for >people with disabilities and have developed and run award winning research & >demonstration projects on that topic as well. So, today, where are most of >these programs & projects? Either struggling for funding or gone away because >of lack of funding to renew. Now, I know that part of leadership is helping >programs and projects continue to thrive after the leader moves on, so part >of the above struggles I think are on my ability to set programs up for >long-term success. But, some of the struggles cut to lack of funding in the >vocational rehabilitation world.> >Two years ago, I read and wondered - where is the impact, what is going to >make a true change in the 66.7% unemployment rate of people with disabilities? > My professors in my Ph.D. Program in Rehabilitation Counseling told me it >has to come from government funding & programs. Then, Randy & Jeannie >Hamilton from Walgreens came into my life. They tell me of their vision to >start a disability outreach initiative that hopefully changes the company and >eventually the world. I do a few days of consulting with them initially and >eventually spend the next 1.5 years as the Disability Program Manager helping >set up the Disability Outreach Program (_www.walgreensoutreach.com_ >(http://www.walgreensoutreach.com) ). > >What 1.5 years at Walgreens taught me is that the future of the field of >vocational rehabilitation and job placement for people with disabilities does >not lie with the government, it lies squarely with the business and corporate >communities. Building Walgreens initiative strongly showed me how targeted >recruiting programs focused on the disability community will have a positive >bottom line impact on companies. The reality is Walgreens is doing this not >because it is the "good" thing to do, but it is the "right" thing to do >because it will save the stockholders money and tap into a vastly undertapped labor >source.> >So, what is the main problem with not-for-profit run employment programs? >Well, lets use me as the example. Five years back, I helped develop a job >development model that is now used across Illinois called the "focus business >model". The model tries to help job placement specialists operate more from a >"business development" standpoint than a "charity" approach when working with >businesses in helping people with disabilities find jobs. What I now >realize is that I was not operating from a business approach, just maybe more of an >advanced "charity" viewpoint.> >The bottom line for me is that the disability community has to take back the >power with the American Businness Community. The facts are undeniable:> >* 54 million people with disabilities in the US plus families, friends, and >supporters represent the most powerful customer & labor source in the country> >* People with disabilities have an annual discretionary spending power of >$220 billion> >* 20 million of 70 million US families have at least one member with a >disability (1 out of 10 families raising children have at least 1 child with a >disability)> >* With the baby boom generation retiring, people with disabilities are the >last untapped labor source (66.7% unemployment).> >With the facts above, you would think that every company in the country >would have recruting in the disability community as a huge part of their >Diversity Strategy and targeting the disability community as a huge part of their >Marketing Strategy. This is not the case, but a movement is starting to happen. > Go to _www.walgreensoutreach.com_ (http://www.walgreensoutreach.com) , or >_www.wellsfargo.com_ (http://www.wellsfargo.com) to see Accessibility on the >home page, or research Starbuck's "Wake Up Call" Program that targets >individuals with disabilities.> >Now, a number of people have come up to me lately and said how can you hope >in a business community that has stigmatized people with disabilities for so >many years? And, I do not deny that there are businesses out there who hold >extreme biases, but most of the businesses that I have come in contact with >are basically afraid to start disability related outreaches because of fear of >the unknown. With a little education, it is amazing how attitudes and >beliefs can change.> >So, now I am spending the lionshare of my time talking with companies on >setting up outreach efforts like Walgreens. Consumerism is empowerment. We >hold the power in the disability community and we need to start communicating to >the business world on a "business" level not a "charity" level. Groups like >yours hold the power for change - the next time you go to the grocery store, >to rent a car, stay at a hotel, or whatever, ask for the Manager and ask him >or her three simple questions with the acronym RAM:> >1) Recruiting: Does your company recruit workers with disabilities? How?> >2) Accessibility: What has your company done in terms of making your >services accessible to the disability community?> >3) Marketing: How does your company market to the disability community?> >If the Manager gives a few reasonable answers, praise him or her, say you >will tell all your contacts, and give him/her some sources to get more >information and/or a few facts from above. Then, come back and tell this group about >what you learned.> >If the Manager says nothing - then say you would like to see more and give >him/her some sources of information and/or facts from above. > >Imagine the impact if we all did this at 5 or 10 businesses a year that we >shop at? > >So in conclusion, I am not saying that we should end our lobbying for >funding from government and other sources to keep the transition and employment >programs going. What I am saying is that I see a future where it is the >business community that utlimately makes the significant difference in lowering the >unemployment rate of people with disabilities. So remember, WE hold the >power - we just have to help the business community understand the enormous >benefits of partnering with the disability community.> >Thanks for letting me up on my soap box.> > Emmett> > > >

[Guest guest]

We have a daughter who will be turning 21 in February. She has

Asperger's and has been attending the PACE Program in Skokie. In June

she " graduates " from that. Then what? She has never been employed

and we're not sure how to find housing for her. We're afraid that if

we let her move back home after having lived in Skokie, she'll get too

comfortable and never want to be on her own. She is great at

sabotaging job opportunites, since she's bright enough to know that

she doesn't have to work to get money (she receives SSI). Any advice

or resource suggestions?

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I assume this is happening through her IEP/transition plan? If she has

an IEP, the IEP team should have been discussing this and planning for

it for a long time. The district is not responsible for making sure

someone hires her but the connections, networking, etc. should be

happening now (should be the purpose of PACE) and should have been

reflected in the transition plan. What are her post-school goals

(should be the driving force of her IEP/transition plan) for employment,

education or training and adult living? If she is already living

somewhat independently, she must have great skills! Is she a DRS

client? A good DRS counselor might be able to help her move forward in

attaining and maintaining employment. The Employment and Training

Center is also a good connection for identifying strengths and interests

in regard to employment. The IETC is a network that covers IL...I am

pasting the address to PDF file that lists the addresses and contact

information to every ETC in IL...you should be able to find one that is

in your area.

http://www.commerce.state.il.us/NR/rdonlyres/C83F246A-F7AD-451E-ABD7-88E

FDD6DC58F/0/IETCDirectory2003.pdf.

Another good resource is checking out your local community college.

Many or most of them have career counseling centers with lots of

resources and support staff to assist in planning, accessing interest

surveys. Depending on her particular interest or passion, is attending

community college classes an option? If so, visiting the disability

services coordinator is a good connection.

http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Home This website

is another good resource for Illinoisans...links to Illinois Skills

Match, job boards, potential employers, finding jobs, changing

jobs....all specific to IL.

http://www.disabilityworks.org/default.asp?contentID=10 Here is another

great IL resource. disabilityworks is dedicated to helping people with

disabilities find a rewarding work experience in Illinois. You can look

for a job, find job placement services, find job skills training, or

learn about what Illinois community colleges and universities have to

offer.

Here are few more things:

http://www.hrtw.org/tools/check_assessment.html Life Maps are

developmentally appropriate transition questionnaires that allow

families and young people to identify their own individual needs. The

Life Maps cover a range of topics from health promotion and health

problem management to independence and work issues and transition to

adult health care.

http://internet.dscc.uic.edu/dsccroot/parents/transition.asp Transition

information and resources from the Illinois Division of Specialized Care

for Children for youth who have chronic health and medical needs.

http://hrtw.org/tools/pdfs/work_and_you.pdf The Healthy & Ready to Work

national center has developed a tip sheet Work & You: Your Special

Health Care Needs in the Workplace

<http://hrtw.org/tools/pdfs/work_and_you.pdf> that focuses on health

care and work logistics. Topics include health routines, use of benefit

time, insurance, schedules, work environments and emergency planning.

The tip sheet also provides links to web resources on health issues &

work.

I will also have all of this in documents that I or Laurie will upload

so that anyone can always go back and access.

I'll leave you with this...whether it is right or wrong, fair or unfair,

the bottom line is that successful youth with disabilities have families

that put in the time and elbow grease. My job is to support schools and

move them in the direction of committing to high quality, coordinated,

transition-focused and student-focused IEP's. Some are doing this, some

are on the way, but still too many are not on board at all. My

philosophy has been to have a two-pronged plan...our schools need to

continue to evolve and do better with transition-aged students...I am

committed to that as a career. At the same time, time goes by so

quickly (as we all know) and I can't afford to sit still waiting for the

right things to happen while my child gets another year older...so I

roll up my sleeves and make the investment of time and energy as best I

can.

So...I hope that you and others will find some useful leads here.

Sue

________________________________

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of nancynehmer

Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:46 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: transition

We have a daughter who will be turning 21 in February. She has

Asperger's and has been attending the PACE Program in Skokie. In June

she " graduates " from that. Then what? She has never been employed

and we're not sure how to find housing for her. We're afraid that if

we let her move back home after having lived in Skokie, she'll get too

comfortable and never want to be on her own. She is great at

sabotaging job opportunites, since she's bright enough to know that

she doesn't have to work to get money (she receives SSI). Any advice

or resource suggestions?

[Guest guest]

Sue:

This is an amazing and comprehensive list of resources.

Thanks for your expert advice this week.

I know I have learned a great deal and I hope our members feel that they have

benefitted as well.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

transition

We have a daughter who will be turning 21 in February. She has

Asperger's and has been attending the PACE Program in Skokie. In June

she " graduates " from that. Then what? She has never been employed

and we're not sure how to find housing for her. We're afraid that if

we let her move back home after having lived in Skokie, she'll get too

comfortable and never want to be on her own. She is great at

sabotaging job opportunites, since she's bright enough to know that

she doesn't have to work to get money (she receives SSI). Any advice

or resource suggestions?

[Guest guest]

,

Ray Graham Association is launching a new supported living program. It

is called Monarch Living. It will be located in downtown Elmhurst with

easy access to the train and other forms of public transportation. They

are planning to launch it April 1. It is for individuals who do not

need 24 hour supports but could benefit from a life coach. One can also

contract for a job coach, if needed. The apartment building is under

renovation at this time and should be ready for occupancy soon. There

will be 4 two bedroom apartments available. My daughter Beth is

considering this an option for her for a year until she transitions to

her own condo with supports. You can contact Kathleen Bragg at

630-628-7163 for more information.

Ficker Terrill

From: IPADDUnite [mailto:IPADDUnite ] On

Behalf Of nancynehmer

Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:46 PM

IPADDUnite

Subject: transition

We have a daughter who will be turning 21 in February. She has

Asperger's and has been attending the PACE Program in Skokie. In June

she " graduates " from that. Then what? She has never been employed

and we're not sure how to find housing for her. We're afraid that if

we let her move back home after having lived in Skokie, she'll get too

comfortable and never want to be on her own. She is great at

sabotaging job opportunites, since she's bright enough to know that

she doesn't have to work to get money (she receives SSI). Any advice

or resource suggestions?